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Terbinafine pulse therapy is effective in tinea capitis
1Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Science Center and the University of Toronto, Canada.
Pediatric Dermatology
|March 13, 1998
Summary
Terbinafine pulse therapy effectively treated tinea capitis in children. This safe antifungal treatment showed high cure rates with good compliance and no observed adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
- Mycology
Background:
- Tinea capitis is a common fungal infection of the scalp in children.
- Effective and safe treatment options are crucial for pediatric patients.
- Terbinafine is a widely used antifungal agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of terbinafine pulse therapy for treating tinea capitis in children.
- To determine the optimal number of terbinafine pulses required for cure.
- To assess parental ease of administration and compliance with the treatment regimen.
Main Methods:
- An open study involving 13 children (age 3-13 years) with tinea capitis.
- Terbinafine pulse therapy administered based on child's weight.
- Treatment involved 1-week pulses with 2-3 week breaks between pulses.
- Clinical and mycological cure evaluated 12 weeks post-therapy.
Main Results:
- Twelve out of 13 children (92.3%) achieved complete clinical and mycological cure.
- Cure was achieved with one, two, or three pulses depending on disease severity.
- One child with moderate tinea capitis did not achieve cure after three pulses.
- No adverse effects were reported during the study.
- High parental satisfaction with ease of administration and compliance.
Conclusions:
- Terbinafine pulse therapy is an effective and safe treatment for tinea capitis in children.
- The number of pulses required for cure varies with disease severity.
- The treatment regimen is well-tolerated and easy for parents to administer, ensuring high compliance.