title: The efficacy and safety of gamma-linolenic acid in the treatment of infantile atopic dermatitis.
abstract: The efficacy and safety of gamma-linolenic acid in the treatment of atopic dermatitis was evaluated. The children (mean age, 11.4 months) with atopic dermatitis (mean duration, 8.56 months) were openly treated with 3 g/day gamma-linolenic acid, for 28 days. Clinical evaluations were carried out every 7 days, and parents were asked to keep a diary, recording details of symptoms of eczema every day. Blood chemistry and immunological tests were done before and after treatment. None of the children showed complete recovery of symptoms. A gradual improvement in erythema, excoriations and lichenification was seen; significant differences were shown for itching (P < 0.01), and the use of antihistamines (P < 0.01). A significant rise in the percentage of circulating CD8 was found. No side-effects were recorded. Dietetic and pharmacological approaches are the basis of the treatment of atopic dermatitis and gamma-linolenic acid appears to be a safe and efficient additional therapy for infants and young children.
authors.affiliation: 5th Pediatric Department, University of Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fiocchi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sala
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Signoroni
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Banderali
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Agostoni
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Riva
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009824:Ointments; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors; D017965:gamma-Linolenic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D009824:Ointments; D010879:Piperazines; D017965:gamma-Linolenic Acid; C015408:oxatomide; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium