Introduction

Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin cannot be retracted on the glans. Physiological phimosis affects up to 96% of newborns, persisting until three or four years of age. It is a common reason for consultation in primary medical care, with the main treatment being circumcision. Several studies have evaluated the use of topical steroids in the release of the foreskin.

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of topical steroid treatment for the liberation of the prepuce in infants with physiological phimosis in the Naval Hospital of Specialties of Veracruz (HOSNAVESVER).

Material and methods

Randomized controlled clinical trial in infants between 30 and 60 days of age with physiological phimosis. Three groups were randomized: A (hydrocortisone 1%/physiotherapy), B (petrolatum/physiotherapy) and C (only hydrocortisone 1%), comparing their effectiveness using the Kayaba scale before and after treatment. A statistical analysis was made with χ2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Results

61 infants were included. At the beginning, 17 (85.0%) of group A, 14 (70.0%) of B and 17 (81.0%) of C were in category I of Kayaba; at the end of the treatment, 19 (95.0%) of group A were in category III and IV, 18 (90.0%) of group B, and 19 (90.5%) of group C were in category II and III (p < 0.05). Hydrocortisone/physiotherapy had RR of -93.8%, 95% CI (-99.1% to -57.2%) and NNT of 1, 95% CI (1 to 2).

Conclusion

Hydrocortisone 1% with physiotherapy showed greater effectiveness for the treatment of physiological phimosis in infants between 30 and 60 days of age.