Comparing the effects of oral hyaluronic acid combined with injections against injections alone for the treatment of Peyronie’s disease.

This study aimed to compare the effects of oral hyaluronic acid (HA) and injections of HA into the scar tissues plaque, against the effects of injections alone in Peyronie's disease (PD). The results suggest that the combination treatment was more effective than injections alone.

PD is a noncancerous condition resulting from fibrous scar tissue that develops on the penis. It causes curved, painful erections. Plaques of scar tissue usually form in the early stages of this disease. There is no standard plan for the treatment of the early stages of PD. HA can be used to treat PD. It works by breaking down the scar tissue.

HA can be administered as injections into the scar tissue on the penis. These injections have been shown to improve penis curvature and sexual satisfaction. HA can also be administered as oral tablets. It is not known if the administration of oral HA combined with injections of HA is more effective than injections alone in patients with PD. 

This study included 81 men who were recently diagnosed with PD. Participants were split into 2 groups. Group 1 included 41 participants who received oral HA and a weekly injection of HA into the scar tissue plaques for 6 weeks. Group 2 included 40 participants who received a weekly injection of HA into the scar tissue plaques for 6 weeks. The curve of the penis, erectile function, and the patients’ impressions of the results were assessed.

After 6 weeks, patients in group 1 had a larger reduction in the curve of the penis than those in group 2 (by 4°). Those in group 1 also showed a greater improvement in erectile function and in their own impression of the results of treatment. After 3 months, both groups showed a reduction in penile curvature.  

No serious side effects were reported after treatment. Additionally, no bruising or bleeding at the injection site was reported

This study suggested that a combination of oral HA and injection of HA into the scar tissue plaques was more effective for the treatment of PD than injections of HA alone.

This study only included 81 participants. Larger studies are needed.