Mycological Evaluations Research Articles

Dermoscopic Findings and Assessment of Treatment Response in Patients with Tinea Incognito: A Pilot Study.

Tinea incognito presents with atypical, widespread, and recurrent lesions. Dermoscopy can aid its rapid diagnosis. This study aimed at assessing dermoscopic features and response to treatment in patients with tinea incognito. An evaluation of 62 patients with tinea of glabrous skin (Group A (cases)-31 steroid modified and Group B (controls)-31 treatment naïve) was done. Clinical, dermoscopic, and mycological evaluations were done for both groups at baseline, 2, and 4 weeks of terbinafine therapy. Clinical severity (Clinical Assessment Severity Score (CASS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)) and frequency of various dermoscopic changes were compared at 0 and 4 weeks between cases and controls, using unpaired Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Baseline dermoscopic features for both groups were significantly different with respect to frequency of broken hair, bent hair, micropustules and Morse code hair. Earliest feature to resolve with treatment was micropustules at 2 weeks. Significant reduction in frequency of morphologically altered hair was evident at 4 weeks. Telangiectasia, dotted vessels, I-hair, and broken hair persisted for a longer period of time. Terbinafine for 4 weeks was an effective treatment, producing complete cure in 73% of cases and 93% of controls. Persistent dermoscopic changes at 2 weeks were found to be associated with treatment failure at 4 weeks, highlighting the role of dermoscopy in identifying patients requiring prolonged treatment. Dermoscopy can be used as a diagnostic and monitoring tool for tinea of glabrous skin.

Clinic-mycological spectrum of Candida infection in diabetic foot ulcers in a tertiary care hospital.

In diabetic foot ulcers, if fungal agents, such as Candida species penetrate the cutaneous or depth of the ulcer, it can increase the wound severity and make it more difficult to heal. A cross-sectional study was performed on 100 diabetic patients with a foot ulcer from December 2019 to November 2020 in northern Iran. Patient data and wound grades were recorded in a questionnaire. Candida infection was confirmed by direct microscopic examination and culture. To identify the causative agent, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism using MspI enzyme and the partial amplification of hyphal wall proteins (HWP1) gene were performed. Mean age of the participants was 62.1 ± 10.8 years old, and 95% of them had type 2 diabetes. Moreover, more than 83% of them had diabetes for a duration of 10 years. In addition, 59% of the patients were male, and 66% > of them had poor education levels. Besides, 99% of them were married, and 52% were rural. Furthermore, 95% of the participants had neuropathic symptoms and 88% used antibiotics. The HbA1C level was > 9% in 69% of them, and the mean ulcer grade of the patients was 2.6±1.05. Candida infection was detected in 13% of the deep tissue and 7% of the tissue surrounding the wound. The predominant Candida isolate was C. parapsilosis (71.5%) and C. albicans (14.3%). Infections caused by filamentous fungi were not detected. There was a statistically significant relationship between Candida infection and gender, rural lifestyle, HbA1C, and ulcer grade. Mycological evaluations of diabetic foot ulcers are often ignored. The present study revealed that C. parapsilosis is the most common causative agent of deep-seated foot ulcer infection in these patients and may require specific treatment. Therefore, more attention of physicians to Candida infections, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment can help accelerate wound healing and prevent amputation.

Clinical and mycological evaluations of horses affected with cutaneous lesions in Ardabil, Iran

The fungi are a part of the normal flora of the skin of animals, including horses. Although some of the fungal species are pathogen, most of them are opportunistic, so in certain can cause opportunistic fungal infections. The aim of the present study was to identify pathogenic and saprophytic fungi isolated from horse cutaneous lesions. In this study, 183 horses of eight horse-riding clubs were dermatologically examined in Ardabil city. In each case, clinical sample was obtained from the cutaneous lesions. The specimens were inoculated on Sabouraud dextrose agar plates with chloramphenicol and cycloheximide, as well as direct microscopic examination of fungal elements. 25 cases of the 183 examined horses had cutaneous lesions (13.6%). Among the cutaneous lesions, alopecia (in 13 cases) and crust (in one case) had the highest (52%) and lowest (4%) frequency rates, respectively. 92% of inoculated samples (23/25) were positive on fungal culture media, of which only four samples (17.3%) isolated as pathogenic fungi (Microsporum canis and Malassezia pachydermatis). In other cases, only saprophytic fungi were isolated. The highest and lowest isolated saprophytic fungal species were Aspergillus niger (47.8%) and Rhizopus (4.3%) and Stemphylium (4.3%), respectively. Also, Rhizopus and Aspergillus niger were the highest isolated fungal species in horses without any dermal lesions (25%). The study showed pathogenic fungi including dermatophytes were isolated from a relatively low percentage of cutaneous lesions in horses. Saprophytic fungi are likely to play a role in horse's cutaneous lesions and sometimes may cause these infections or worse them.

Importance of Mycologic Evaluation in Chronic Non Healing Ulcers

Importance of Mycologic Evaluation in Chronic Non Healing Ulcers

Naftifine hydrochloride (NH) in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor

Introduction & objectives: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy comparability of 1% NH lotion vs. of 1% NH cream (exoderil, Sandoz) in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor. Material & methods. 71 patients with pityriasis versicolor were randomly allocated either to receive NH lotion once daily (NH lotion group (п = 35, 38.6 years (95% CI [33,7, 43.5]) or NH cream once daily (NH cream group (п = 36, 40.8 years (95% CI [36,6, 45.0]) for 14 days. Mycological evaluations (microscopy and culture) were performed at weeks 2 and 3, inflammation symptoms evaluations were scored at day 3, weeks 2 and 3 after start of the therapy. Overall cure rates assessment included results of mycological, clinical outcomes and safety evaluation. Results. There was no difference between groups in mycological cure rates (94% vs 92%) and inflammation regression (97% vs 97%). Overall cure rate was 91% and 92% of patients in NH lotion and NH cream groups respectively (p = 0,97). Conclusion. 1% NH lotion and 1% NH cream are effective in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor.

A Prospective Two‐Year Assessment of Miconazole Resistance in Candida Spp. with Repeated Treatment with 0.25% Miconazole Nitrate Ointment in Neonates and Infants with Moderate to Severe Diaper Dermatitis Complicated by Cutaneous Candidiasis

A petrolatum and zinc oxide-based ointment containing 0.25% miconazole nitrate is reported to be effective and well tolerated in the treatment of diaper dermatitis complicated by cutaneous candidiasis (DDCC). This prospective, multicenter, open-label, long-term, phase IV study investigated the potential resistance of Candida spp. to repeated topical use of 0.25% miconazole nitrate in infants age 15months and younger with moderate to severe DDCC. For initial and recurring episodes of DDCC over the 2-year study period, subjects were treated with a 7-day course of 0.25% miconazole nitrate ointment (active components: miconazole nitrate 0.25%, zinc oxide 15%, and white petrolatum 81.35%) with a 7-day follow-up. Clinical and mycologic evaluations were conducted before treatment (day 0) and 7days after treatment (day 14). Potential resistance to miconazole was defined using an arbitrary breakpoint of minimum inhibitory concentration of 2μg/mL. There was no evidence of resistance to miconazole in Candida spp. after single or repeated treatment courses of 0.25% miconazole nitrate ointment. For the initial episode of DDCC, 83 of 168 subjects (49.4%) achieved a clinical cure, 77 (45.8%) achieved a mycologic cure, and 49 (29.2%) achieved an overall cure (clinical and mycologic). The overall cure rate for recurrent episodes of DDCC was similar to or numerically greater than rates observed for the initial episode. Treatment of DDCC with 0.25% miconazole nitrate ointment was effective and generally well tolerated. No evidence of the development of resistance to miconazole in Candida spp. was observed.

Ricinus communis treatment of denture stomatitis in institutionalised elderly

This study compared the effectiveness of Ricinus communis (RC) with Nystatin (NYS) and Miconazole (MIC) in the treatment of institutionalised elderly with denture stomatitis (DS). They (n = 30) were randomly distributed into three groups: MIC, NYS or RC. Clinical and mycological evaluations were performed prior to the use of the antifungal (baseline) and repeated after 15 and 30 days of treatment. The sample was clinically examined for oral mucosal conditions. Standard photographs were taken of the palate, and the oral candidiasis was classified (Newton's criteria). Mycological investigation was performed by swabbing the palatal mucosa, and Candida spp. were quantified by counting the number of colony-forming units (cfu mL⁻¹). The clinical and mycological data were analysed, respectively by Wilcoxon and Student's t-test (α = 0.05). Significant improvement in the clinical appearance of DS in the MIC and RC groups was observed between the 1st and 3rd collections (MIC - P = 0.018; RC - P = 0.011) as well as between the 2nd and 3rd collections (MIC - P = 0.018; RC - P = 0.011). Neither groups showed a statistically significant reduction in cfu mL⁻¹ at any time. Although none of the treatments decreased the cfu mL⁻¹, it was concluded that Ricinus communis can improve the clinical condition of denture stomatitis in institutionalised elderly patients, showing similar results to Miconazole.

A Random Comparative Study of Terbinafine Versus Griseofulvin in Patients with Tinea Capitis in Western China

To compare the efficacy and safety of terbinafine with griseofulvin in the treatment of tinea capitis in Western China. Children (2-14 years of age) with clinically diagnosed and potassium hydroxide microscopy-confirmed tinea capitis were randomized into three groups: group GRI4 received 4 weeks of griseofulvin; group TBF2 received 2 weeks of terbinafine; and Group TBF4 received 4 weeks of terbinafine. Clinical and mycological evaluations were done in 0, 2, 4, and 8 weeks and 1 year after therapy started. The isolated pathogenic fungi were evaluated for in vitro susceptibility by detecting the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against terbinafine, griseofulvin, itraconazole, and ketoconazole. The clinical effectiveness rate of GRI4, TBF2, and TBF4 were 100% (95% CI-confidence interval: 82-100%), 96.3% (95% CI: 81-100%), and 100%(95% CI: 85-100%), respectively, at week 8 and 100% after 1 year for the 3 groups; clinical cure rates were 84.2%(95% CI: 77-99%), 85.2%(95% CI: 71-98%), and 78.3%(95% CI: 61-95%), respectively, at week 8 and 100% after 1 year for all agents; mycological cure rates were 100%(95% CI: 74-100%), 95.0%(95% CI: 74-100%), and 94.1%(95% CI: 50-93%) at week 8 and 100% after 1 year for the 3 groups. In vitro, all patient-derived cultures were sensitive to the four antifungal agents. Data from the clinical trial and in vitro antifungal activity indicated that terbinafine is efficacious and well tolerated in the treatment for Trichophyton infections (T. violaceum; Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii; and T. tonsurans) of the scalp, i.e., a 2- to 4-week course of terbinafine is as effective as a 4-week course of griseofulvin; in fact, a 2-week course of terbinafine is sufficient. Terbinafine is an effective alternative to griseofulvin against tinea capitis of Trichophyton infections.

Long-term follow-up of toenail onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes after successful treatment with systemic antifungal agents

Recurrences (relapse or reinfection) of onychomycosis are not uncommon, with percentages reported in various studies ranging from 10% to 53%. We sought to determine the prevalence of long-term recurrences of toenail onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes cured after systemic antifungal treatment with terbinafine (T) or itraconazole (I) and identify risk factors for recurrences. This 7-year prospective study, started in 2000 and ended in 2007, included 73 patients periodically followed after successful treatment of toenail onychomycosis using either T, 250 mg daily (59 patients), or I, 400 mg daily, for 1 week per month (14 patients). Patients were evaluated every 6 months, with clinical and mycological evaluations being performed. Twelve of 73 patients (16.4%) developed a recurrence of onychomycosis a mean time of 36 months after successful treatment. These included 5 of the 14 patients (35.7%) who had taken I and 7 of the 59 (11.9%) who had taken T (P = .046). The number of patients treated with T (59 patients) was more than that for I (14 patients). The administration of systemic T to treat the first episode of onychomycosis may provide better long-term success than I in those patients with a complete response. Other factors including the presence of predisposing factors, use of nail lacquer as a prophylactic treatment, and the dermatophyte strain isolated were not significantly related to relapse.

Contribution of Galactomannan Antigen Detection in BAL to the Diagnosis of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Patients With Hematologic Malignancies

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is difficult to diagnose. The detection of galactomannan (GM) in serum samples is useful for diagnosing IPA. A positive test for GM antigen in BAL has also been proposed as a criterion of IPA, although it has not been fully validated. The aim of our study was to evaluate the contribution of GM antigen detection in BAL to the diagnosis of IPA in hematologic patients. One hundred one consecutive patients treated for hematologic malignancy were explored by bronchoscopy and BAL for new pulmonary infiltrates. Both BAL fluid and serum samples were evaluated for GM using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test, with an optical density index >or= 0.5 considered positive. Respiratory samples were also examined for the presence of fungi. IPA was diagnosed in 33 patients according to European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and Mycoses Study Group consensus group criteria (six proven, 23 probable, four possible). Nineteen of these 33 patients had a positive BAL GM test, whereas three patients without IPA had false-positive results. GM detection in BAL had a sensitivity of 57.6% (95% CI, 40.8%-72.8%) and a specificity of 95.6% (95% CI, 87.8%-98.5%). Among the 19 patients with IPA whose BAL was positive for GM, 15 also had a positive serum GM test. In 11 of these 19 patients, Aspergillus was identified in the respiratory samples. Detection of GM in BAL is complementary of serum GM testing and mycologic evaluation of the respiratory samples for the diagnosis of IPA. Positive GM BAL was the sole microbiologic criterion in two of 33 patients studied.

Amorolfine and itraconazole combination for severe toenail onychomycosis; results of an open randomized trial in Spain

In an open, randomized, clinical study of toenail onychomycosis with matrix area involvement, two alternative regimens of topical amorolfine/oral itraconazole therapy were compared with itraconazole monotherapy. A total of 131 patients were randomized to treatment. Patients in the combination groups were treated with amorolfine 5% nail lacquer (Loceryl, Galderma Laboratories) once weekly for 24 weeks and 200 mg itraconazole once daily for 6 weeks (Group AI-6) or 12 weeks (Group AI-12). A control group received itraconazole monotherapy for 12 weeks (Group 1-12). Strict inclusion criteria specified that subjects had to have onychomycosis of the toenails with matrix area involvement and/or > 80% total nail surface involvement. Mycological evaluations using both microscopic examination and culture of nail samples were performed at weeks 12 and 24. A stringent assessment of outcome at study end combined the results of mycological and clinical outcomes into a global cure rate. Safety was also assessed. At week 12, mycological cure was attained in 42 of 45 patients (93.3%) in group AI-6, 29 of 35 patients (82.9%) in group AI-12, and 14 of 34 patients in group 1-12. The difference between both combination groups and the control group were significant (P < 0.001). The global cure rate at week 24 was 83.7% (36 patients) in group AI-6, 93.9% (31 patients) in group AI-12, and 68.8% (22 patients) in group I-12. The difference between the AI-12 group and itraconazole monotherapy was significant (P < 0.05). These results indicate that amorolfine combination therapy represents an improved treatment strategy for patients with severe onychomycosis.

Treatment and Prophylaxis of Pityriasis Versicolor with Oral Fluconazole

Treatment with oral antifungals is usually preferred when pityriasis versicolor (PV) affects large body surface areas, especially in chronic or recurrent cases. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of fluconazole in the treatment and prophylaxis of patients with chronic or recurrent, mostly extensive, PV. Treatment regimen consisted of fluconazole 100mg once daily for 10 consecutive days; 3–4 weeks after the end of treatment, patients were evaluated for clinical and mycological response (visit T1). Patients with mycological eradication received fluconazole 200mg/day (100mg twice a day) for two consecutive days per month for 5 months. Clinical and mycological evaluations were performed after 2 months (T2) and 5 months (T3) from visit T1. Mycological efficacy was assessed using microscopic examination and represented the primary efficacy parameter; therefore, positive microscopy at any visit was reason for withdrawal from the study. At visit T1 60 subjects were evaluated; most patients (94 %) were clinically cured or improved. Similar clinical response rates were observed at visits T2 and T3. The proportion of patients with eradication of Malassezia was 92 % at T1 visit, 88 % at T2 visit, and 91 % at T3 visit. No relevant adverse events occurred. The results of this open preliminary study suggest that an oral treatment with fluconazole 100mg/day for 10 days is effective in PV. A maintenance monthly treatment with fluconazole 200mg/day for two consecutive days can be very useful to prevent recurrence of PV.

Topical steroids versus systemic antifungals in the treatment of chronic paronychia: An open, randomized double-blind and double dummy study

Background: The involvement of Candida in the pathogenesis of chronic paronychia (CP) has never been proven, even though this condition is commonly considered a type of Candida onychomycosis. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of systemic antifungals (itraconazole or terbinafine) with a topical corticosteroid (methylprednisolone aceponate) in the treatment of patients with CP. Methods: The study involved 45 adult patients with CP. Medication was given in a randomized, double-blind and double dummy manner over 3 weeks. Patients were then followed for 6 weeks. Clinical and mycologic evaluations were performed at baseline, and at weeks 3 and 9. The efficacy measures included clinical and photographic evaluation. Results: Of 48 nails treated with methylprednisolone aceponate, 41 were improved or cured at the end of the follow-up period. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the number of nails improved or cured by methylprednisolone aceponate and that of nails improved or cured with terbinafine (30 out of 57) or itraconazole (29 out of 64). Presence of Candida was not strictly linked to disease activity, and Candida eradication was associated with clinical cure in only 2 of the 18 patients who carried Candida at the beginning of the study. Conclusion: This study shows that topical steroids are more effective than systemic antifungals in the treatment of CP, and supports the view that CP is not a type of onychomycosis but a variety of hand dermatitis caused by environmental exposure. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2002;47:73-6.)

Comparison of a single 400 mg dose versus a 7-day 200 mg daily dose of itraconazole in the treatment of tinea versicolor

BACKGROUND : Tinea (pityriasis) versicolor is a superficial infection of the stratum corneum by the lipophilic fungus known as Malassezia furfur . OBJECTIVE : To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 400 mg single dose or 7-day 200 mg daily dose of itraconazole capsules in the treatment of mycologically confirmed pityriasis versicolor. METHODS : A total of 50 patients were entered into a randomized, open, clinical trial comparing a 400 mg single dose ( n = 24 for group 1) with a 7-day 200 mg daily dose ( n = 26 for group 2) of itraconazole. Clinical signs and symptoms and mycologic evaluation (potassium hydroxide preparation and Wood's lamp) were performed before treatment, and at weeks 3 and 6 after treatment. RESULTS : Both regimens of itraconazole were effective. Our results showed that there were no significant differences in efficacy and safety between the two treatment regimens (chi-square tests, p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS : On the basis of these findings, a single dose of itraconazole 400 mg/day was as effective as the 7-day 200 mg daily dose in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor.

Ciclopirox nail lacquer topical solution 8% in the treatment of toenail onychomycosis

Background: Onychomycosis is a relatively common condition affecting toenails more than fingernails. It is caused predominantly by dermatophytes. Onychomycosis can cause pain and discomfort and has the potential to be a source of morbidity. Objective: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of ciclopirox nail lacquer solution 8% used to treat onychomycosis of the toe in the United States and in centers worldwide. Methods: Two identically designed, double-blind, vehicle controlled, parallel group multicenter studies were performed in the United States to evaluate the use of ciclopirox nail lacquer to treat mild to moderate toe onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes. In the first study, 223 patients were randomized to treatment (ciclopirox group: 112, vehicle group: 111), and in the second study, 237 subjects were randomized (ciclopirox group: 119, vehicle group: 118). Before randomization, patients were to have clinical features of onychomycosis in at least one great toe with positive light microscopic examination and a positive dermatophyte culture. The test material was applied daily for a period of 48 weeks to all toenails and affected fingernails, covering the entire nail plate and approximately 5 mm of surrounding skin. At baseline, subjects had between 20% to 65% area of target nail involved. Physician's assessments were carried out every 4 weeks, and mycologic evaluation and photographic planimetry using standardized photographs were performed every 12 weeks during the 48 weeks of treatment. In studies conducted outside the United States, patients were also to have clinical, microscopic, and culture evidence of onychomycosis. However, these studies included some patients infected with nondermatophyte organisms (eg, Candida species), and the area of nail involvement was generally greater than observed in the US studies. Treatment regimens also varied in the non-US studies with lacquer applications that were sometimes less frequent than the once daily treatment used in the US studies (eg, alternate day or twice weekly). In addition, the typical duration of treatment was 6 months in the non-US studies as compared with 48 weeks in the United States. Outcome measures were similar to those used in the US trials, although a non-photographic planimetric method was used to quantify disease extent. Results: Data from the pivotal US trials have demonstrated that ciclopirox nail lacquer 8% topical solution is significantly more effective than placebo in the treatment of onychomycosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum, and of mild to moderate toe onychomycosis without lunula involvement. At the end of the 48-week treatment period, the mycologic cure rate (negative culture and negative light microscopy) in study I was 29% vs 11% in the ciclopirox and vehicle groups, respectively. Similarly, the mycologic cure rate for study II was 36% vs 9%, respectively. In the non-US studies, the mycologic cure rates ranged from 46.7% to 85.7%. In addition, ciclopirox nail lacquer has demonstrated a broad spectrum of activity with efficacy against Candida species and some nondermatophytes in non-US studies. Ciclopirox nail lacquer is considered extremely safe regarding causally related treatment emergent adverse-effects (TEAEs), with most TEAEs transient and localized to the site of action (eg, erythema and application site reaction). In the US studies, TEAEs were generally mild and cleared while the patient continued to use the nail lacquer. Conclusions: Studies conducted worldwide demonstrate the efficacy of ciclopirox nail lacquer for the treatment of finger and toe onychomycosis. Both controlled and open-label studies confirm the excellent safety profile of this topical therapy. Thus, the nail lacquer provides a treatment choice with a favorable benefit-to-risk ratio. With its novel mechanism of action and its topical route of administration, ciclopirox nail lacquer offers an innovative approach to the treatment of this often difficult-to-manage disease. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;43:S70-80.)

Combined distal and lateral subungual and white superficial onychomycosis in the toenails

Background: The 5 main types of onychomycosis are distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSO), white superficial onychomycosis (WSO), proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO), Candida onychomycosis, and total dystrophic onychomycosis (TDO) (primary or secondary type). In the literature there is infrequent discussion about 2 types of onychomycosis present in the toenails of the same individual. Objective: We attempted to determine the prevalence and etiologic organisms of DLSO and WSO occurring in the same individual. Methods: We surveyed 4411 subjects presenting to dermatology offices for causes other than the management of onychomycosis. In each patient the toenails were examined. If they appeared abnormal, nail material was obtained for mycologic evaluation; partitioned sampling was performed when more than one type of onychomycosis was present. Results: In our series, 39 (0.9%) of 4411 patients had the combination DLSO and WSO, compared with 417 (9.4%) and 111 (2.5%) who had DLSO and WSO, respectively. After controlling for age and sex in the general population, the projected prevalence rates of DLSO, WSO, and combined DLSO and WSO in the province of Ontario, Canada were 7.1%, 1.5%, and 0.5%, respectively. The combination of DLSO and WSO in the toenails of an individual occurred more frequently than that predicted by chance alone ( P < .0001). Nine (0.2%) of 4411 subjects had DLSO and WSO on the same nail. In 23 (59%) of 39 subjects both the DLSO and WSO were associated with Trichophyton mentagrophytes . In the remaining 16 subjects other organisms cultured were T rubrum , Acremonium spp, Aspergillus spp, Fusarium oxysporum , and Onychocola canadensis . In 33 (84.6%) of 39 subjects with the combination of DLSO and WSO on the toenails, the same fungal organism was associated with both the DLSO and WSO. Conclusion: When both DLSO and WSO are concurrently present in the toenails of an individual, partitioned sampling (ie, sampling for each of the two types of onychomycosis) may provide us with a better understanding of the different organisms associated with the onychomycosis and the relationship between the two types of onychomycosis. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;41:938-44.)

Treatment of tinea capitis with itraconazole capsule pulse therapy

Background: The number of newly diagnosed cases of tinea capitis in children appears to be on the rise, particularly in urban centers. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness, safety, and compliance of itraconazole pulse therapy for tinea capitis. Methods: Fifty subjects (48 children [less than 18 years of age] and 2 adults) with tinea capitis were treated with pulse itraconazole in a multicenter evaluation. Each pulse lasted 1 week, with 2 weeks between the first two pulses and 3 weeks between the second and third pulses. The decision to administer a second or third pulse was determined by the response of the subject at the time that the next pulse was due. During the 1-week pulse of active therapy, itraconazole (5 mg/kg/day) was dosed as follows: more than 40 kg, 200 mg per day (two capsules per day); 20 to 40 kg, 100 mg per day (one capsule per day); and 10 to 19 kg, 50 mg per day (one half of a capsule per day). The duration of the study was 12 weeks with mycologic evaluation at this time. Subjects who were classified as treatment failures at 12 weeks after the start of therapy were given the option of receiving an additional 1-week pulse of active therapy, with 3 weeks between successive pulses. Results: The causative organisms were Trichophyton tonsurans (41 subjects), T. violaceum (7), T. soudanense (1), and T. rubrum (1). Thirteen subjects were lost to follow-up, with 37 subjects (35 children and 2 adults) available for evaluation 12 weeks after the start of therapy. At this time, cure (clinical and mycologic) was observed in 30 (81%) of 37 subjects. When the tinea capitis was mild, cure was obtained after one pulse in two subjects and after two pulses in five subjects. With tinea capitis of moderate extent, complete cure was obtained after one pulse in one subject, two pulses in eight subjects, and after three pulses in seven subjects. When tinea capitis was severe, two and three pulses produced complete cure in one and six subjects, respectively. Of the seven subjects whose conditions failed to respond (three subjects with moderate disease and four subjects with severe disease), five subjects chose to receive extra itraconazole. Clinical and mycologic cure was observed after four pulses in four subjects and after five pulses in one subject. There were no associated clinical adverse effects with itraconazole therapy. Conclusion: With tinea capitis, itraconazole pulse therapy is effective and safe and is associated with high compliance. The pulse regimen enables the duration of treatment to be individualized, according to the extent of disease and its rate of resolution. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;39:216-9.)

Managing Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: Intermittent Prevention with Itraconazole

To evaluate the efficacy of one-day, intermittent, monthly prophylaxis with 400 mg itraconazole in the management of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.In a randomized trial, 57 patients and 57 controls with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis were assigned either to receive one-day monthly itraconazole prophylaxis for six months or no treatment. Clinical and mycologic evaluations were carried out 3, 6 and 12 months after enrollment.During the first six months of follow-up, the rate of symptomatic recurrences was 36.4% (20/55) among the treated women and 64.2% (34/53) in the controls. The mean time +/- SEM to symptomatic recurrence was 149 +/- 6 days among patients receiving prophylaxis and 120 +/- 6 days in the controls (P = .003 by log-rank test). These differences disappeared almost completely after the cessation of intermittent prophylaxis. In fact, the proportion of patients still asymptomatic after one year of follow-up was 38.9% (21/54) among treated women and 28.8% (15/53) in the controls (P = .83 by Fisher's exact test).One-day monthly, intermittent itraconazole prophylaxis reduced the rate of recurrence in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, but the beneficial effect of itraconazole was lost within a few months after cessation of prophylaxis.

Relapses of Onychomycosis after Successful Treatment with Systemic Antifungals: A Three-Year Follow-Up

Background: Data about relapses of onychomycosis after treatment with the new systemic antifungals vary among the different studies, with figures ranging from 3 to 20% for terbinafine and from 21 to 27% for itraconazole, depending on the follow-up duration. Objective: To determine the prevalence of relapses of onychomycosis cured by terbinafine compared with that of onychomycosis cured by itraconazole. Methods: We followed up 47 patients whose toenail onychomycosis had been mycologically cured in an open randomized study comparing intermittent itraconazole treatment with continuous terbinafine treatment and intermittent terbinafine therapy. Patients were examined every 3 months for up to 3 years after the end of therapy. At each visit clinical and mycologic (direct microscopy and cultures) evaluations were performed. Results: Eight of the 36 patients (22.2%) who completed the study had a relapse of onychomycosis during the follow-up period, including 2 patients of the terbinafine 250 mg group, 2 patients of the terbinafine 500 mg group and 4 patients in the itraconazole 400 mg group. As the original infection, the relapse was caused in all cases by Trichophyton rubrum. Conclusions: This study shows that 22.2% of patients with onychomycosis successfully treated with systemic antifungals experienced a relapse. The relapse rate increased from 8.3% at month 12 to 19.4% at month 24 and to 22.2% at month 36. Relapses were more common in patients treated with pulse itraconazole (4/11) than in patients treated with continuous (2/12) or intermittent (2/13) terbinafine. Statistical analysis did not reveal any significant difference between relapse rates in the three groups.

Managing Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of one-day, intermittent, monthly prophylaxis with 400 mg itraconazole in the management of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. STUDY DESIGN In a randomized trial, 57 patients and 57 controls with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis were assigned either to receive one-day monthly itraconazole prophylaxis for six months or no treatment. Clinical and mycologic evaluations were carried out 3, 6 and 12 months after enrollment. RESULTS During the first six months of follow-up, the rate of symptomatic recurrences was 36.4% (20/55) among the treated women and 64.2% (34/53) in the controls. The mean time +/- SEM to symptomatic recurrence was 149 +/- 6 days among patients receiving prophylaxis and 120 +/- 6 days in the controls (P = .003 by log-rank test). These differences disappeared almost completely after the cessation of intermittent prophylaxis. In fact, the proportion of patients still asymptomatic after one year of follow-up was 38.9% (21/54) among treated women and 28.8% (15/53) in the controls (P = .83 by Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSION One-day monthly, intermittent itraconazole prophylaxis reduced the rate of recurrence in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, but the beneficial effect of itraconazole was lost within a few months after cessation of prophylaxis.