Tinea capitis in early infancy treated with itraconazole: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Tinea capitis is the most common fungal infection of the scalp in childhood, but a very rare disorder in the first year of life.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy, tolerability and safety of itraconazole in 7 children aged between 3 and 46 weeks (median: 36 weeks) suffering from tinea capitis caused by Microsporum canis.


METHODS
Prospective case note study. In all patients KOH testing and fungal cultivation on Sabouraud dextrose agar were performed.


RESULTS
7 patients (5 girls and 2 boys) were included in the period between 2001 and 2008. The causative etiologic agent was Microsporum canis in all children. The patients received itraconazole 5mg/kg bodyweight daily for 3 to 6 weeks with no clinically side effects being noted. In all patients clinical and mycological cure could be achieved.


CONCLUSIONS
Itraconazole proved to be a safe and effective treatment option for Microsporum canis induced tinea capitis in children in their first year of life.
Binder
B
B
Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria. barbara.binder@klinikum-graz.at
Richtig
E
E
Weger
W
W
Ginter-Hanselmayer
G
G
D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D017964:Itraconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014006:Tinea Capitis / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D017964:Itraconazole