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Itraconazole therapy for recalcitrant dermatophyte infections
1Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|May 1, 1988
Summary
New oral antifungal itraconazole effectively treated recalcitrant dermatophyte infections in five patients. While well-tolerated, complete clearing of toenail infections and recurrence prevention require further study.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Recurrent dermatophyte infections, particularly those caused by Trichophyton rubrum, often prove resistant to conventional antifungal treatments.
- Limited therapeutic options exist for patients unresponsive to standard topical and oral antifungal agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of itraconazole, a novel oral antifungal, in patients with recalcitrant Trichophyton rubrum infections.
Main Methods:
- An open-label trial was conducted involving five patients with persistent dermatophyte infections.
- Patients received oral itraconazole therapy, with outcomes assessed over a 3 to 6-month period.
Main Results:
- All five patients demonstrated prompt clinical improvement within one month of initiating itraconazole.
- Marked improvement in infection symptoms was observed by the end of the 3 to 6-month treatment period.
- Complete resolution of toenail infections was not achieved, and four patients experienced recurrences.
Conclusions:
- Itraconazole shows promise as an effective treatment for the clinical manifestations of difficult-to-treat dermatophyte infections.
- Further research is necessary to establish long-term safety and the drug's ability to prevent infection recurrence.