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Tinea capitis in early infancy treated with itraconazole: a pilot study
1Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria. barbara.binder@klinikum-graz.at
Background:
Tinea capitis is the most common fungal infection of the scalp in childhood, but a very rare disorder in the first year of life.
Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy, tolerability and safety of itraconazole in 7 children aged between 3 and 46 weeks (median: 36 weeks) suffering from tinea capitis caused by Microsporum canis.
Methods:
Prospective case note study. In all patients KOH testing and fungal cultivation on Sabouraud dextrose agar were performed.
Results:
7 patients (5 girls and 2 boys) were included in the period between 2001 and 2008. The causative etiologic agent was Microsporum canis in all children. The patients received itraconazole 5mg/kg bodyweight daily for 3 to 6 weeks with no clinically side effects being noted. In all patients clinical and mycological cure could be achieved.
Conclusion:
Itraconazole proved to be a safe and effective treatment option for Microsporum canis induced tinea capitis in children in their first year of life.
Insights
Itraconazole effectively treated Microsporum canis tinea capitis in infants. This study found itraconazole (given at 5mg/kg daily) to be safe and well-tolerated in this young population.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Mycology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tinea capitis, a common childhood scalp fungal infection, is rare in infants under one year.
- Microsporum canis is a frequent cause of tinea capitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of itraconazole for treating tinea capitis in infants.
- To evaluate itraconazole's use in children aged 3 to 46 weeks caused by Microsporum canis.
Main Methods:
- A prospective case note study was conducted.
- Diagnostic methods included KOH testing and fungal cultivation on Sabouraud dextrose agar.
- Treatment involved daily itraconazole at 5mg/kg for 3-6 weeks.
Main Results:
- Seven infants (5 female, 2 male) diagnosed with Microsporum canis tinea capitis were treated.
- All patients received itraconazole without reported side effects.
- Clinical and mycological cure was achieved in all participants.
Conclusions:
- Itraconazole is a safe and effective treatment for Microsporum canis-induced tinea capitis in infants.
- The study supports itraconazole's use in the first year of life for this condition.
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