Hypotension Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Hypotension, including details on low blood pressure, blood volume, symptoms, treatment.

Tinea capitis: predictive value of symptoms and time to cure with griseofulvin treatment.

Lorch Dauk KC, Comrov E, Blumer JL, O'Riordan MA, Furman LM

Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.

OBJECTIVES: 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.

Published 18 February 2010 in Clin Pediatr (Phila), 49(3): 280-6.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2011 Hypotension Research Today. All Rights Reserved.