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Treatment of scabies with oral ivermectin in 15 infants: a retrospective study on tolerance and efficacy
C Bécourt1, C Marguet, X Balguerie
1Department of Dermatology, Rouen University Hospitals, 1 Rue de Germont, 76000, Rouen, France.
Insights
Oral ivermectin shows promise for treating difficult infant scabies cases. This study found it well-tolerated and effective in healing most infants who did not respond to other treatments.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Scabies incidence is rising in Europe, particularly affecting infants.
- Topical scabies treatments are often poorly tolerated by infants.
- Oral ivermectin is an off-label treatment for infants under 15 kg.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral ivermectin for infants with refractory scabies.
- To assess ivermectin's potential as a treatment for difficult-to-treat infant scabies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study conducted at Rouen University Hospital (2009-2012).
- Included infants diagnosed with scabies who received oral ivermectin.
- Data analysis focused on treatment outcomes and patient follow-up.
Main Results:
- Fifteen infants received two doses of oral ivermectin (200 μg/kg).
- Twelve out of 14 infants (86%) healed within one month.
- Thirteen out of 14 infants (93%) healed within three months, with one active case.
Conclusions:
- Oral ivermectin is generally well-tolerated in infants.
- An 80% healing rate in infants resistant to topical treatments suggests ivermectin's utility.
- Ivermectin may be considered for recalcitrant or relapsing scabies in infants.
Background:
The incidence of scabies is increasing in Europe, and it often affects children and infants. Although numerous topical treatments have been approved for treatment of scabies in adults, they are often poorly tolerated in infants. One treatment, ivermectin, remains off label for infants weighing < 15 kg.
Objectives:
To report our experience on the safety and efficacy of oral ivermectin in refractory scabies in infants.
Methods:
A retrospective study was performed in the dermatology and paediatrics departments of Rouen University Hospital between January 2009 and October 2012. Infants diagnosed with scabies were identified, and the data for those fulfilling the inclusion criteria were analysed.
Results:
Of 219 infants identified, 15 had received oral ivermectin and had been followed up for at least 3 months. All 15 patients were given two doses of ivermectin, 200 μg kg(-1), at baseline and 14 days later. Of 14 patients contacted 1 month after treatment, 12 had achieved healing. The other two were treated with ivermectin or benzyl benzoate; both healed. Overall, 3 months after the first ivermectin treatment, 13/14 patients had healed and only one had active disease.
Conclusions:
Ivermectin is generally well tolerated in infants. The 80% rate of healing observed in infants who had failed to respond to at least two other topical treatments suggests that ivermectin could be considered for treatment of infants with recalcitrant or relapsing scabies.
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