Tinea capitis: predictive value of symptoms and time to cure with griseofulvin treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To describe (a) the predictive value of symptoms for diagnosis of tinea capitis and (b) the rate and timing of cure with high-dose griseofulvin treatment.


METHODS
This prospective open-label study enrolled children aged 1 to 12 years with clinical tinea capitis. Participants with a positive dermatophyte culture received oral griseofulvin (20-25 mg/kg/day) and topical selenium sulfide shampoo for 6 weeks. Main outcome measures. The rate of symptoms of tinea capitis, and rates of mycologic and clinical cure.


RESULTS
The positive predictive values of any 1, 2, 3, or 4 symptoms for a positive culture were 88%, 82%, 78%, and 77%, respectively. The observed rates of mycologic, clinical, and complete cure were 89%, 66%, and 49%, respectively. conclusion: In a high-risk population it is reasonable to diagnose tinea capitis using one or more cardinal symptoms. Oral griseofulvin at 20 to 25 mg/ kg/day with adjunctive shampooing for 6 weeks is moderately successful as treatment.
Lorch Dauk
Kelly C
KC
Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
Comrov
Elana
E
Blumer
Jeffrey L
JL
O'Riordan
Mary Ann
MA
Furman
Lydia M
LM
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006118:Griseofulvin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006203:Hair Preparations / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018036:Selenium Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors; D014006:Tinea Capitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014249:Trichophyton / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D006203:Hair Preparations; D018036:Selenium Compounds; D006118:Griseofulvin