Drugs for treating paracoccidioidomycosis.
BACKGROUND
Paracoccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection found in particular geographic localities in Latin America. Treatment can last for up to two years is often associated with complications, including relapse, but people may die without it.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate drugs used for treating paracoccidioidomycosis.


METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register (January 2006), CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2005, Issue 4), PubMed (1966 to January 2006), EMBASE (1974 to January 2006), LILACS (1982 to January 2006), conference proceedings, and reference lists. We also contacted researchers and pharmaceutical companies.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trials comparing drugs for treating people with paracoccidioidomycosis.


METHODS
Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility and methodological quality, and extracted data, including adverse events.


RESULTS
One trial with 42 participants met the inclusion criteria that compared imidazoles (itraconazole and ketoconazole) with sulfadiazine. No difference was detected for cure or clinical improvement, or serological titres after 10 months of treatment, and there was no difference detected in adverse events.


CONCLUSIONS
The small number of participants and the short follow-up period impede definitive conclusions.
Menezes
V M
VM
Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Av Fernando Correia da Costa S.N. Coxipó, Cuiabá MT, Brazil. vmen@terra.com.br
Soares
B G O
BG
Fontes
C J F
CJ
D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D017964:Itraconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007654:Ketoconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010229:Paracoccidioidomycosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013411:Sulfadiazine / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D013411:Sulfadiazine; D017964:Itraconazole; D007654:Ketoconazole