Pediatrics: Treatment of Tinea Capitis

1997 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 338-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan M Abdel-Rahman ◽  
Milap C Nahata

Objective To review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, mycology, clinical presentation, and pharmacotherapy of tinea capitis, and describe the role of newer antimycotic agents. Data Sources A MEDLINE search restricted to English-language articles published from 1966 through 1996 and journal references were used in preparing this review. Data Extraction The data on mycology, pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, and drug interactions were obtained from controlled studies and case reports appearing in the literature. Both open-label and comparative studies were evaluated to assess the efficacy of antimycotics in the treatment of this infection. Data Synthesis Griseofulvin is the drug of choice in the treatment of tinea capitis. Newer agents with greater efficacy or shorter treatment durations continue to be explored. Ketoconazole, the first azole studied for efficacy in tinea capitis, has not demonstrated any clinical advantage over griseofulvin in several controlled clinical trials. Itraconazole is effective, but the available data are limited to case reports and a single uncontrolled study. Terbinafine similarly has shown promise in the treatment of tinea capitis, but the oral formulation was only recently approved in the US. Existing studies reflect the results in infection with pathogens not seen in the US. Both itraconazole and terbinafine achieve high concentrations in the hair and stratum corneum that persist for several weeks following drug administration. This may enable shorter courses of therapy; however, comparative studies need to be conducted in the US. Conclusions Tinea capitis remains the most common dermatophyte infection in young urban children. Oral antifungal therapy is required for effective treatment, often for several months. The combination of griseofulvin with a selenium sulfide shampoo continues to be the mainstay of therapy until more experience is gained with the newer antimycotics.

2002 ◽  
Vol 126 (11) ◽  
pp. 1382-1386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig S. Kitchens

Abstract Objectives.—To review the literature for conditions, diseases, and disorders that affect activity of the contact factors, and further to review the literature for evidence that less than normal activity of any of the contact factors may be associated with thrombophilia. Data Sources.—MEDLINE search for English-language articles published from 1988 to 2001 and pertinent references contained therein, as well as search of references in recent relevant articles and reviews. Study Selection.—Relevant clinical and laboratory information was extracted from selected articles. Meta-analysis was not feasible because of heterogeneity of reports. Data Extraction and Synthesis.—Evidence for association of altered levels of the contact factors and thrombophilia was sought. A wide variety of disorders is associated with decreased activity of the contact factors; chief among these disorders are liver disease, hepatic immaturity of newborns, the antiphospholipid syndrome, and, for factor XII, being of Asian descent. These disorders are more common than homozygous deficiency. The few series and case reports of thrombophilic events in patients homozygous for deficiency of contact factors are not persuasive enough to support causality. The apparent association between levels consistent with heterozygosity (40%–60% of normal) of any of the contact factors (but especially factor XII) in persons with antiphospholipid antibodies appears to be due to falsely decreased in vitro activity levels of these factors, which are normal on antigenic testing. The apparent association with thrombosis is better explained by the antiphospholipid syndrome than by the modest reduction of the levels of contact factors. Conclusions.—Presently, it is not recommended to measure activity of contact factors during routine evaluation of patients who have suffered venous or arterial thromboembolism or acute coronary syndromes.


1993 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen A. Pallone ◽  
Morton P. Goldman ◽  
Matthew A. Fuller

Objective To describe a case of isoniazid-associated psychosis and review the incidence of this adverse effect. Data Sources Information about the patient was obtained from the medical chart. A MEDLINE search of the English-language literature published from 1950 to 1992 was conducted and Index Medicus was manually searched for current information. Study Selection All case reports describing isoniazid-associated psychosis were reviewed. Data Extraction Studies were evaluated for the use of isoniazid, symptoms of psychosis, onset of symptoms, and dosage of isoniazid. Data Synthesis The case report is compared with others reported in the literature. The incidence of isoniazid-associated psychosis is rare. Conclusions The mechanism of isoniazid-associated psychosis is uncertain. It appears that isoniazid was associated with the psychosis evident in our patient and in the cases reviewed.


2005 ◽  
Vol 39 (11) ◽  
pp. 1879-1887 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Petrea Cober ◽  
Cary E Johnson

OBJECTIVE To review the 2004 treatment guidelines provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) regarding the treatment of otitis media in pediatric patients. DATA SOURCES A MEDLINE search, restricted to English-language articles about pediatric patients, was conducted (1966–May 2005) using the key words acute otitis media (AOM), guideline, observation therapy, and vaccination. Additional references were located through review of the bibliographies of cited articles. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Studies related to the fundamental basis of the updated guidelines and articles addressing current issues related to otitis media infection were included. DATA SYNTHESIS Otitis media affects many children in the US. Concerns have been raised about the proper treatment of AOM in the face of increasing drug resistance among primary pathogens responsible for infection. Some countries have chosen to observe patients for a designated period of time prior to initiation of antibiotic therapy. The AAP and AAFP have updated the treatment guidelines for otitis media to include the option of observation therapy, recommendations for dosing of various antibiotic regimens and their place in therapy, and the importance of initial pain management. CONCLUSIONS Updated treatment guidelines for otitis media have been developed in an effort to properly treat children while decreasing current resistance rates for common organisms that cause AOM. In the future, the therapeutic outcomes of observation therapy related to both the incidence of drug resistance and the possibility of increased complications related to otitis media will need to be evaluated in the US.


2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 216-230
Author(s):  
Jeffery David Prescott ◽  
Victoria Jayne Drake ◽  
Jan Frederik Stevens

Objective: Prescription drug use is on the rise, and the use of dietary supplementation remains common. In the United States, more than half of all adults take a dietary supplement in any given month. As a result, drug-nutrient interactions are becoming an important consideration when pharmacists counsel patients about their drug regimens. We reviewed the literature to identify common and/or clinically relevant drug-nutrient interactions that pharmacists may encounter in practice. Data Sources: A MEDLINE search for English-language publications from 1970 through March 2017 was performed using search terms (and variations) related to drugs, medications, micronutrients, and interactions. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Relevant studies, case reports, and reviews describing drug-nutrient interactions were selected for inclusion. Data Synthesis: Some drug-nutrient interactions may result in micronutrient insufficiencies or even frank deficiencies, thereby necessitating augmentation with multivitamin/minerals or individual vitamin/mineral dietary supplements. This most often occurs with long-term therapy for chronic conditions, such as treatment with proton-pump inhibitors and histamine-2 receptor antagonists. In addition, some chronic diseases themselves, such as diabetes, may predispose patients to micronutrient insufficiencies, and dietary supplementation may be advisable. Conclusions: Drug-nutrient interactions can often be resolved through specific dosing strategies to ensure that the full effect of the medication or the dietary supplement is not compromised by the other. In rare cases, the dietary supplement may need to be discontinued or monitored during treatment. Pharmacists are in a key position to identify and discuss these drug-nutrient interactions with patients and the health care team.


1995 ◽  
Vol 29 (11) ◽  
pp. 1149-1155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice L Tseng ◽  
Sharon L Walmsley

Objective: To review rifabutin-associated uveitis and discuss the mechanism and potential role of drug interactions with clarithromycin and fluconazole in contributing to this adverse event. Data Sources: A MEDLINE search (1991 through September 1994) of English-language literature using the main MeSH headings “rifabutin” and “uveitis” and the subheadings “adverse effects” and “chemically induced.” Relevant articles also were selected from references of identified articles. Abstracts from recent medical conferences of infectious diseases, pharmacology, and HIV were screened for additional data. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles and abstracts reporting uveitis potentially related to rifabutin were considered for inclusion. Fifty-four cases were identified. Pertinent information from the case reports, as judged by the authors, was selected and synthesized for discussion. Data Synthesis: Rifabutin is being prescribed increasingly for the treatment and prophylaxis of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection in the HIV-infected population. Uveitis was initially thought to be a rare, dose-limited complication of rifabutin therapy. In an early dose-ranging tolerance study, uveitis was associated with daily doses of 1200 mg or more. Because this toxicity appeared to be dose-related, lower dosages (300–600 mg/d) of rifabutin were selected for study in subsequent clinical trials. More recent reports noting the association of uveitis with these lower dosages of rifabutin have raised concerns about the prevalence of this adverse event. In the 54 identified cases, patients presented with symptoms of unilateral or bilateral uveitis from 2 weeks to more than 7 months following initiation of rifabutin therapy. In all reported cases, patients were receiving concurrent therapy with clarithromycin and/or fluconazole, both of which have inhibitory effects on rifabutin metabolism. In most cases, uveitis resolved within 1–2 months following discontinuation of rifabutin with or without administration of topical corticosteroids. Conclusions: Rifabutin is prescribed frequently for the prophylaxis and treatment of MAC infection, especially in patients with HIV. Uveitis is a rare, dose-related toxicity of this therapy. The risk of rifabutin-associated uveitis may be increased in patients receiving concurrent therapy with clarithromycin or fluconazole because of drug interactions. Patients receiving therapy with combinations of any of these agents should be warned about signs and symptoms of uveitis and be monitored closely for the development of rifabutin toxicity. If uveitis develops, rifabutin therapy should be discontinued promptly.


2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 285-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Brittany Vickery ◽  
Erika E. Tillery ◽  
Alicia Potter DeFalco

Objective: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, dosage and administration, potential drug-drug interactions, and place in therapy of the intravenous (IV) formulation of carbamazepine (Carnexiv) for the treatment of seizures in adult patients. Data Sources: A comprehensive PubMed and EBSCOhost search (1945 to August 2017) was performed utilizing the keywords carbamazepine, Carnexiv, carbamazepine intravenous, IV carbamazepine, seizures, epilepsy, and seizure disorder. Additional data were obtained from literature review citations, manufacturer’s product labeling, and Lundbeck website as well as Clinicaltrials.gov and governmental sources. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language trials evaluating IV carbamazepine were analyzed for this review. Data Synthesis: IV carbamazepine is FDA approved as temporary replacement therapy for treatment of adult seizures. Based on a phase I trial and pooled data from 2 open-label bioavailability studies comparing oral with IV dosing, there was no noted indication of loss of seizure control in patients switched to short-term replacement antiepileptic drug therapy with IV carbamazepine. The recommended dose of IV carbamazepine is 70% of the patient’s oral dose, given every 6 hours via 30-minute infusions. The adverse effect profile of IV carbamazepine is similar to that of the oral formulation, with the exception of added infusion-site reactions. Conclusion: IV carbamazepine is a reasonable option for adults with generalized tonic-clonic or focal seizures, previously stabilized on oral carbamazepine, who are unable to tolerate oral medications for up to 7 days. Unknown acquisition cost and lack of availability in the United States limit its use currently.


1997 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 163-168
Author(s):  
Binh N Tran ◽  
Virginia S Vivian ◽  
Kelly J Burch

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of valproate in the prevention of migraine headaches. The drug has been approved by the FDA for migraine prophylaxis in addition to its primary use in seizure control. Data Sources: A MEDLINE search (1988–1995) of the English-language literature pertaining to the use of valproate for prophylaxis of migraine headaches was performed. Additional literature was obtained from reference lists of pertinent articles identified through the search. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles were considered for possible inclusion in the review. Pertinent information was selected for discussion. Data Synthesis: Results of five clinical studies carried out worldwide were reviewed: a historical study of 22 patients from Denmark and studies of 32 patients in Israel, 43 patients in Denmark, 75 patients in California, and 117 patients in the US. Eleven patients (50%) were free of headache in the first study. The number of migraine attacks decreased from 15.5 to 8.8 in the second study, whereas patients treated with valproate reported 3.5 days with migraine versus 6.1 for patients receiving placebo in the third study. Efficacy rates of 85% and 61% were seen for patients with frequent migraine and transformed migraine, respectively, in the fourth study, and 48% of patients treated with divalproex compared with 14% of patients receiving placebo showed at least a 50% reduction in migraine headache frequency in the fifth study. Conclusions: Approximately half of the patients were shown to experience roughly a 50% reduction in the number of migraine attacks or days with migraine headaches; thus, valproate appears to provide a therapeutic alternative for patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate beta-receptor blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, or calcium-channel blockers for prophylaxis of migraine headaches.


1992 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 481-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna C. Linette ◽  
Karen H. McGee ◽  
James A. McFarland

OBJECTIVE: This report describes a case of mitomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity and reviews the incidence of this adverse effect, reported patterns of toxicity and associated dosages of the drug, and the use of corticosteroids in the management of pulmonary toxicity. DATA SOURCES: Information about our patient was obtained in part from the medical chart; we had also treated him personally in the past. We conducted a MEDLINE search of the English language literature (restricted to human studies) from 1966 to 1991 and manually searched Index Medicus for current information. STUDY SELECTION: All case reports that described pulmonary toxicity possibly associated with mitomycin were reviewed. DATA EXTRACTION: Studies were evaluated for the dosages of mitomycin given to patients, the nature and onset of symptoms, management course, and corticosteroid use. DATA SYNTHESIS: Our case is similar to others described in the literature. The incidence of mitomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity has been reported to range from 2 to 38 percent. Concurrent vinca alkaloid administration may potentiate the risk of an acute pulmonary insult secondary to mitomycin use. The toxicity is usually of slow onset and the average total dosage of drug implicated is 78 mg. A formal evaluation of corticosteroid treatment has not been performed, but various authors have reported success with different regimens. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of pulmonary toxicity associated with mitomycin is unpredictable, but more likely to occur at higher dosages. Treatment with corticosteroids is encouraged to improve pulmonary response.


2000 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 479-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer J Menke ◽  
Jodi R Heins

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of epididymo-orchitis that developed four years after treatment with intravesical bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) and to review the incidence of this adverse effect. DATA SOURCES: Information about the patient was obtained from the medical chart. A MEDLINE search of English-language literature (from January 1976 to April 1999) was conducted. STUDY SELECTION: All case reports of BCG-related epididymo-orchitis were evaluated. Review articles describing complications of BCG therapy for bladder cancer and the prevention and treatment of these complications were reviewed. DATA EXTRACTION: Studies were evaluated for reports of BCG-related epididymo-orchitis and its treatment. DATA SYNTHESIS: Our case report is compared with others reported in the literature. The incidence of BCG-associated epididymo-orchitis is rare. CONCLUSIONS: Epididymo-orchitis should be considered as a late complication of BCG therapy for bladder cancer. Proper patient selection may help decrease the risk of complications from BCG therapy.


1997 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-14
Author(s):  
Mersedeh Moshfeghi ◽  
Ghazala M Contractor

Objective: To review the efficacy of phenytoin in the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Data Sources: English-language clinical study reports, abstracts, case reports, and review articles pertaining to the use of phenytoin in the treatment of EB (MEDLINE search, January 1973-August 1996). Data Extraction: Clinical study and case reports evaluating the effect of phenytoin in the treatment of EB were reviewed, and the methodology, results, and conclusions of the studies were evaluated. Because of the limited number of randomized, controlled study reports, all available case reports were reviewed, and information we considered pertinent was synthesized. Data Synthesis: Results of studies of EB suggest that the blister fluid and fibroblasts in patients with this disease produce an increased amount of collagenase, which is thought to induce blistering. Phenytoin inhibits collagenase synthesis and/or secretion and, therefore, is used to treat patients with EB. Data regarding the use of phenytoin in patients with EB, especially those with recessive dystrophic EB, revealed that phenytoin may reduce the number of blisters in these patients. Dosage recommendations and monitoring parameters are also discussed. Conclusions: More randomized, controlled trials are needed to determine the true efficacy of phenytoin in the treatment of EB. Although the only available report of a randomized, controlled trial reported a lack of phenytoin efficacy in patients with EB, it does not rule out the possibility of success in selected patients.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document