Efficacy of a topical suspension of bacterial antigens for the management of recurrent eczema in children.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of a topical suspension of bacterial antigens for the management of recurrent eczema in children.


METHODS
Eighty pediatric patients, aged between 2 and 6 years, with a history of recurrent external auditory eczema, were enrolled in this study. Congenital immune deficiencies, treatment with corticosteroids, immunostimulant or immunosuppressive agents in the past 6 months, and bronchopulmonary disease were considered as exclusion criteria. The patients were randomized to receive topical suspension of bacterial antigens (Lantigen B) (Group A) or placebo (physiological solution) (Group B). The efficacy parameters were evaluated before, at the end of, and one year after the beginning of the therapy. All the children underwent clinical examinations, blood test, skin prick tests (SPT), and clinical evaluation using the clinical score proposed by Rajka and Langeland, considering the intensity, extent, and course of lesions.


RESULTS
In Group A, using the statistical Wilcoxon test, we saw an improvement in the clinical items measured. It is important to consider that the patients were allowed to receive concomitant medications to treat acute episodes, which may have partially contributed to the positive results obtained.


CONCLUSIONS
A topical suspension of bacterial antigens was significantly more effective than placebo in the treatment of recurrent eczema in children.
ENT Department, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy. renzomora@libero.it
Renzo
R
Mora
Luisa
L
Bellussi
Francesco Maria
FM
Passali
Barbara
B
Crippa
Francesco
F
Mora
Maria Paola
MP
Cordone
Marco
M
Barbieri
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004485:Eczema / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D010919:Placebos; D012008:Recurrence
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D010919:Placebos