Efficacy of topical steroid treatment in children with severe phimosis in China: A long-term single centre prospective study

Aim To evaluate the efficacy of topical steroid (0.1% mometasone furoate) therapy and factors affecting long-term outcome of paediatric severe phimosis in China. Methods A total of 1550 patients with severe phimosis classified by Kikiros system were prospectively enrolled in the study from January 2016 to February 2020. They were prescribed with 0.1% mometasone furoate twice a day for 4 weeks. Patients were re-evaluated at the end of weeks 2, 4, 8 and 6 months follow-up. Results A total of 1499 patients completed the treatment, 71.1% responded at the end of week 4. The long-term success rate was 66.0% over a mean follow-up of 26.9 months. The success rate of grade 4 phimosis was significantly higher than that of grade 5 at 4, 8 weeks and 6 months (P = 0.005, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Patients with balanoposthitis had a poorer outcome compared with patients without symptoms and patients symptoms by prepuce ballooning or urinary tract infections (P < 0.001). Initial grade of 5 phimosis and symptom with balanoposthitis were independent risk factors for recurrence. All patients had no systemic side effects, 23 cases developed local erythema or burning sensation. Conclusion Topical steroid (0.1% mometasone furoate) is an effective treatment for severe phimosis in children. The recurrence was related to the grade or symptoms of severe phimosis.