The Cure Rate after Placebo or No Therapy in American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction

There are few drugs with proven efficacy in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), and pentavalent antimonial derivatives are still the main first-line therapeutic agents worldwide, despite their recognized high toxicities. Randomized controlled clinical trials assessing the efficacy and safety of new therapeutic modalities are of high priority, and the definition of the design of such trials raises debate about the use of placebo as a comparator. To support the use of placebo as a comparator, two main points need to be addressed: 1- the cure rate without any therapeutic intervention and 2- the damage caused by CL and its impact on patients.

Objective

The aim of this study was to systematically assess the spontaneous cure rate for American CL and to broaden the discussion about placebo use in CL trials.

Methods

The PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and the Cochrane manual were followed. The sources used were the PubMed and LILACS databases. Studies were included if they reported cure rates using placebo or no treatment in American CL.

Results

Thirteen studies of a total of 352 patients were ultimately included in this review. The summarized global cure rates for all Leishmania species according to the intention-to-treat analyses performed at approximately three (“initial cure”) and nine (“definitive cure”) months after “no treatment” or placebo use were 26% (CI95%: 16 to 40%) and 26% (CI95%:16 to 38%), respectively. Notably, a significantly lower cure rate was observed for L. braziliensis infection (6.4%, CI95%:0.2 to 20%) than for L. mexicana infection (44%, CI95%:19 to 72%), p = 0.002. Of note, relapse occurred in 20% of patients with initial healing (CI95%:9.2 to 38.9%).

Conclusion

These results clearly demonstrate a low spontaneous cure rate following no-treatment or placebo use, confirming that this strategy for the control group in CL studies expose patients to greater morbidity, especially for CL caused by L. braziliensis. Therefore, from this point, the crucial questionto consider regarding placebo use isthe seriousness of the suffering caused by this disease.     

Is Paromomycin an Effective and Safe Treatment against Cutaneous Leishmaniasis? A Meta-Analysis of 14 Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

High cost, poor compliance, and systemic toxicity have limited the use of pentavalent antimony compounds (SbV), the treatment of choice for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Paromomycin (PR) has been developed as an alternative to SbV, but existing data are conflicting.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, without language restriction, through August 2007, to identify randomized controlled trials that compared the efficacy or safety between PR and placebo or SbV. Primary outcome was clinical cure, defined as complete healing, disappearance, or reepithelialization of all lesions. Data were extracted independently by two investigators, and pooled using a random-effects model. Fourteen trials including 1,221 patients were included. In placebo-controlled trials, topical PR appeared to have therapeutic activity against the old world and new world CL, with increased local reactions, when used with methylbenzethonium chloride (MBCL) compared to when used alone (risk ratio [RR] for clinical cure, 2.58 versus 1.01: RR for local reactions, 1.60 versus 1.07). In SbV-controlled trials, the efficacy of topical PR was not significantly different from that of intralesional SbV in the old world CL (RR, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.26–1.89), whereas topical PR was inferior to parenteral SbV in treating the new world CL (0.67; 0.54–0.82). No significant difference in efficacy was found between parenteral PR and parenteral SbV in the new world CL (0.88; 0.56–1.38). Systemic side effects were fewer with topical or parenteral PR than parenteral SbV.

Conclusions/Significance

Topical PR with MBCL could be a therapeutic alternative to SbV in selected cases of the old world CL. Development of new formulations with better efficacy and tolerability remains to be an area of future research.     

Treatment of Aspergillus fumigatus in patients with cystic fibrosis: a randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study

Background

Many patients with cystic fibrosis develop persistent airway infection/colonization with Aspergillus fumigatus, however the impact of A. fumigatus on clinical outcomes remains unclear. The objective of this study was to determine whether treatment directed against Aspergillus fumigatus improves pulmonary function and clinical outcomes in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Methods

We performed a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial involving 35 patients with CF whose sputum cultures were chronically positive for A. fumigatus. Participants were centrally randomized to receive either oral itraconazole 5 mg/kg/d (N = 18) or placebo (N = 17) for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who experienced a respiratory exacerbation requiring intravenous antibiotics over the 24 week treatment period. Secondary outcomes included changes in FEV₁ and quality of life.

Results

Over the 24 week treatment period, 4 of 18 (22%) patients randomized to itraconazole experienced a respiratory exacerbation requiring intravenous antibiotics, compared to 5 of 16 (31%) placebo treated patients, P = 0.70. FEV₁ declined by 4.62% over 24 weeks in the patients randomized to itraconazole, compared to a 0.32% improvement in the placebo group (between group difference = −4.94%, 95% CI: −15.33 to 5.45, P = 0.34). Quality of life did not differ between the 2 treatment groups throughout the study. Therapeutic itraconazole blood levels were not achieved in 43% of patients randomized to itraconazole.

Conclusion

We did not identify clinical benefit from itraconazole treatment for CF patients whose sputum was chronically colonized with A. fumigatus. Limitations of this pilot study were its small sample size, and failure to achieve therapeutic levels of itraconazole in many patients.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT00528190","term_id":"NCT00528190"}}NCT00528190     

伊曲康唑治疗严重烧伤患者真菌感染的疗效分析

目的 评价伊曲康唑治疗严重烧伤患者真菌感染的疗效及其安全性。方法 采用开放、随机研究单组评估设计,治疗前2d：伊曲康唑注射液2次／d,间隔12h,200mg／次。此后1次／d,剂量200mg,间隔24h,1疗程14d。试验结束后口服伊曲康唑口服液维持治疗至少4周,2次／d,200mg／次。结果 伊曲康唑治疗23例严重烧伤患者总有效率为60．87％;本组86．96％的患者临床疗效为改善;63．64％的患者真菌学疗效为真菌清除;8．70％和52．17％的患者综合疗效分别为痊愈和显效,未发生不良反应。结论 伊曲康唑治疗严重烧伤患者真菌感染有良好的疗效、不良反应少。     

儿童不典型黄癣1例报告及文献复习

报告1例由许兰毛癣菌(Trichophyton schoenleinii)引起的儿童不典型黄癣,患儿临床症状轻微,缺乏蜡黄色、碟形黄癣痂和特殊的鼠臭味等典型临床症状.病发真菌直接镜检见大量不规则菌丝,间生膨大,大小不等、形态不规则的孢子,真菌培养为许兰毛癣菌生长,经分子生物学测序鉴定证实.E-test药敏结果显示伊曲康唑、两性霉素B、卡泊芬净及伏立康唑均敏感.经口服伊曲康唑胶囊及外用2％舍他康唑乳膏治疗基本痊愈.     

Protective effect of an oral natural phytonutrient in recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: a 12-month study

The aim of the present study is to assess the clinical efficacy of a phytocompound with antimicotic properties (K-712, with the following 100 mg composition: 10 mg of oleoresin from Pseudowintera colorata at 30 percent concentration in Polygodial together with trace amounts of Olea europea) in recurrent vulvo-vaginal candidiasis (RVVC) as compared to an azole drug during a 12-month period: 6 months of treatment followed by 6 months of observation. This prospective randomized study involved 82 women (19-61 years) with complaints of abnormal vaginal discharge and with a history of at least four proven episodes of RVVC in the previous 12 months. Patients were divided into two groups of treatment of 41 patients each and were given: A) Itraconazole 200 mg orally daily for 4 days, then 200 mg once weekly for 6 months or B) 1 tablet twice a day of a K-712 for 4 weeks and then for the first 2 weeks of each month for a total of 6 months. Both groups were then followed-up for further 6 months. Each treatment schedule was well tolerated with only 4 patients in the azole group complaining of transient mild symptoms (nausea, abdominal discomfort, unpleasant taste). Itraconazole reached an earlier symptomatic relief during the first two weeks of observation as compared with K-712 (p<0.05) but both treatments enabled a comparable benefit during the entire treatment study period, afterwards with comparable symptom/sign score (itraconazole vs K-712: 9 vs 11). At 6-month observation, mycological cure was reached by 83 percent in the itraconazole group and in 78 percent of the K-712-treated patients. During the further 6-month observation period without treatment, the itraconazole group showed significantly more relapses (65.7 vs 34.2 in K-712, p<0.05) and at the end of the whole 12-month study period the mycological cure was significantly higher in the K-712-treated patients (65.8 vs 34.3 percent, p<0.05). There was a non- significant trend increase of less drug-susceptible species in the itraconazole group. From these preliminary data it would appear that a natural antifungal phytocompound proves to be as good as itraconazole in the maintenance treatment of RVVC. Moreover, this approach seems to maintain a higher mycological success rate afterwards by reducing the number of relapses and probably of the growth of azole-resistant species.     

Stratification,Blinding and Placebo Effect in a Randomized,Double Blind Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial of Gold Bead Implantation in Dogs with Hip Dysplasia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the need for and choice of stratification factors, and the effects of blinding and placebo in a clinical experiment. Eighty dogs with canine hip dysplasia (CHD) were included in a randomized, placebo-controlled and double blind clinical trial with stratified parallel group design, in which body weight and degree of CHD were used as stratification factors. Thirty-eight dogs were allocated to gold bead implantation and 42 to placebo. After six months, 33 of the 42 placebo-treated dogs received gold bead implantation in an open study lasting a further 18 months. The main outcome variable in the study was change in pain signs of CHD as assessed by the owner. No significant difference in the main outcome variable, regardless of the treatment given, could be detected in the two chosen stratification factors. The only factor to influence the main outcome variable significantly was age. The blinding procedure used in the study, in which 60% of the owners correctly guessed the treatment given, was found sufficient. Of those who guessed the treatment erroneously, 88% believed the treatment given was gold bead implantation. The treatment efficacy after six months in the blinded treatment group was found to be significantly larger compared to the efficacy obtained in the open study. A significant placebo effect was therefore detected. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: The age of the dogs influenced the outcome of the CHD treatment, and is recommended as a stratification factor. A significant placebo effect has to be expected and an optimal blinding procedure is necessary in similar clinical studies.     

1株多重耐药申克孢子丝菌感染的治疗

报道1例由多重耐药申克孢子丝菌引起的面部孢子丝菌病。患者61岁男性,面部皮疹2 a余,先后口服伊曲康唑、特比萘芬和氟康唑治疗16个月无效。患者皮损经真菌镜检和培养确诊为孢子丝菌病,分离的申克孢子丝菌体外药敏试验显示其菌丝相和酵母相对上述三种药物均不敏感。给予患者口服10%碘化钾溶液治疗3个月获得痊愈。     

The Use of (1–3) β-Glucan Along with Itraconazole Against Canine Refractory Sporotrichosis

Sporotrichosis, caused by the Sporothrix schenckii fungal complex, is a zoonotic mycosis distributed worldwide. Itraconazole is the treatment of choice for domestic animals although some fungal isolates have shown resistance to this drug. The objective of this study was to report, for the first time, the use of (1–3) β-glucan along with itraconazole in the treatment of a canine with sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis. The animal had ulcerated and crusted lesions, especially on the nasal planum. Clinical samples were collected for a complete blood count, cytological analysis of the lesion, and fungal culture. Based on the results of the laboratory examination, and after the fungal culture, antibiotic therapy and treatment with itraconazole were initiated. Two additional fungal cultures were performed, which were positive. After 7 months of the animal treatment with itraconazole, the S. brasiliensis culture was still positive, so that the itraconazole was associated with (1–3) β-glucan. After four weekly applications of glucan, the complete elimination of the fungus was observed based on the fungal culture negative results. The results show, therefore, that (1–3) β-glucan with itraconazole promoted the case resolution, and it may be considered a promising alternative for the treatment of sporotrichosis in cases of resistance to conventional therapy.     

伊曲康唑治疗复发性外阴阴道念珠菌病38例临床观察

目的了解国产伊曲康唑（商品名“美扶”）治疗复发性外阴阴道念珠菌病的疗效。方法收集38例复发性外阴阴道念珠菌病为治疗组,口服伊曲康唑200mg,1次／d,连续7d,以后每次月经第1天口服伊曲康唑200mg,1次／d,连续6个月经周期停药,而对照组20例则单子硝酸咪康唑栓200mg阴道外用,方法同前。两组完成冲击治疗后1周、3个月、6个月评价疗效。结果1周后治疗组总有效率为92．1％,对照组为90％,两组相比无统计学差异。3个月、6个月后治疗组的复发率分别为3．2％、6．7％,对照组为28．6％、38．5％,两组相比有统计学意义。结论伊曲康唑短程冲击治疗加长期间断给药对复发性外阴阴道念珠菌病的治疗和预防复发效果满意。     

Characteristics and Prognosis of Talaromyces marneffei Infection in Non-HIV-Infected Children in Southern China

Knowledge about the clinical and laboratory characteristics and prognosis of Talaromyces marneffei infection in children is limited. A retrospective study was conducted on pediatric patients with disseminated T. marneffei infection in a clinical setting. Extracted data included demographic information (age and sex), clinical features, laboratory findings, treatment, and prognosis. Eleven HIV-negative children were enrolled. The male/female ratio was 8:3. The median age of onset was 17.5 months (3.5–84 months). The mortality rate in these children was 36.36% (4/11). Seven children had underlying diseases. All of the children had multiple immunoglobulin abnormalities and immune cell decline. Ten children received voriconazole treatment, and most of the children (7/10) had a complete response to therapy at primary and long-term follow-up assessment; only three children died of talaromycosis. One patient recovered from talaromycosis but died of leukemia. The child who received itraconazole treatment also showed clinical improvement. No adverse events associated with antifungal therapies were recorded during and after the treatment. Talaromycosis is an indicator disease for undiagnosed severe immunodeficiencies in children. Awareness of mycoses in children by pediatricians may prompt diagnosis and timely treatment. Voriconazole is an effective, well-tolerated therapeutic option for disseminated T. marneffei infection in non-HIV-infected children.

     

The First Isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans from Eucalyptus Trees in South Aegean and Mediterranean Regions of Anatolia in Turkey despite Taurus Mountains alkalinity

Between April 2001 and April 2002 were studied 106 women with a clinical diagnosis of vaginal candidiasis seen at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Ambulatory of the Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Goiás. The patients were assessed on two occasions, before starting treatment with itraconazole or fluconazole (initial visit) and 14 days after treatment (return). At two visits the signs and symptoms were recorded and vaginal secretion was collected. According to the clinical evaluation, itraconazole was effective in 64.3%, while fluconazole was effective in 71.0% of the patients. The mycological cure rates (negative culture) in the return were 64.3% for the patients treated with itraconazole and 78.9% for the patients treated with fluconazole. The MICs of itraconazole and fluconazole for 80 Candida isolates were determined by Etest method. We investigated the correlation between in vitro susceptibility (Susceptible, Susceptibility Depending Dose and Resistant) to itraconazole and fluconazole with clinical outcome of the patients. The success rates were 63.9% for itraconazole and 90.6% for fluconazole in the susceptible category, 100.0% for both drugs in the susceptible dose dependent category, and 0.0% for both drugs in the resistant category. Our results showed there were a positive correlation between in vitro susceptibility test results with clinical outcome in vaginal Candida infections and that both drugs might be one choice in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis.     

伊曲康唑联合外用药物治疗花斑糠疹临床研究

目的探讨伊曲康唑胶囊联合1%盐酸布替萘芬乳膏和2%酮康唑洗剂治疗花斑糠疹的疗效及不良反应。方法入选患者按单双日分为两组,两组均口服伊曲康唑0.2g,1次/d,连续7d,同时外用1%盐酸布替萘芬乳膏,1次/d,连续14d,对照组停药观察,试验组同时使用2%酮康唑洗剂洗浴,每周2次,连用3个月。分别于治疗前、治疗后1、3、6、12个月评价疗效。结果试验组114例患者3个月时痊愈率78.1%,6个月时痊愈率90.4%,对照组125例患者3个月时痊愈率72.8%,6个月时痊愈率75.2%,12个月后试验组复发率1.8%,对照组为18.4%。结论伊曲康唑胶囊短时口服联合外用布替萘芬和酮康唑洗剂洗浴疗效较好,安全性高,使用方便,可大大降低花斑糠疹的复发率。     

Itraconazole (Orungal) in the treatment of mycotic infections in oncologic patients]

Clinical and microbiological activity of itraconazole (Orungal, solution for oral use, "Janssen-Cilag") for treatment of oncological patients with inhospital infections associated with candida was evaluated. The trial included 50 patients with oncological pathology of respiratory tract, as representatives of risk group for candida contamination. Two groups of patients were formed: when candida contamination was proved patients of the test group were treated by antifungal agent itraconazole (Orungal, "Janssen-Cilag"). Patients in control group were treated by fluconazole (Diflazon, "KRKA") according to standard therapy regime. When no clinical efficacy was achieved patients in both groups were treated by amphotericin B (Fungizone, "Bristol-Myers Squibb"). Clinical efficacy was demonstrated at 13 patients and microbiological efficacy (pathogen elimination) at 12 patient of 14 of itraconazole group. Clinical efficacy was demonstrated at 9 patients and microbiological efficacy at 7 of 11 patients of fluconazole group. Treatment with amphotericin B was effective at all 4 patients treated with this antibiotic, microbiological effect was demonstrated for 3 patients of the group. Frequency of side effects was significantly less in itraconazole group. The course price was also significantly lower at itraconazole group. All this data are important for elaboration of optimal pharmaco economic policy regarding inhospital infections at critical care units.     

Association of MSX1 and TGFB3 with nonsyndromic clefting in humans.

Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) and nonsyndromic cleft palate only (CPO) are common congenital anomalies with significant medical, psychological, social, and economic ramifications. Both CL/P and CPO are examples of complex genetic traits. There exists sufficient evidence to hypothesize that disease loci for CL/P and CPO can be identified by a candidate-gene linkage-disequilibrium (LD) strategy. Candidate genes for clefting, including TGFA, BCL3, DLX2, MSX1, and TGFB3, were screened for LD with either CL/P or CPO in a predominantly Caucasian population, with both case-control- and nuclear-family-based approaches. Previously reported LD for TGFA with both CL/P and CPO could not be confirmed, except in CL/P patients with a positive family history. Also, in contrast to previous studies, no LD was found between BCL3 and either CL/P or CPO. Significant LD was found between CL/P and both MSX1 and TGFB3 and between CPO and MSX1, suggesting that these genes are involved in the pathogenesis of clefting. In addition, a mutation search in the genes DLX2, MSX1, and TGFB3 was performed in 69 CPO patients and in a subset of the CL/P patients. No common mutations were found in the coding regions of these genes; however, several rare variants of MSX1 and TGFB3 were found that may alter the latters' normal function. These results form the basis for future research, including (a) mutation searches in the MSX1 and TGFB3 genes in Caucasian CL/P patients and (b) extension of the search for MSX1 mutations in CPO patients to the noncoding regions.     

Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum fixed combination (Berberol®) effects on lipid profile in dyslipidemic patients intolerant to statins at high dosages: A randomized,placebo-controlled,clinical trial

Aimto evaluate the efficacy of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum (Berberol^®) in a sample of dyslipidemic patients intolerant to statins at high dosages in a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.Methodswe enrolled 175 euglycemic, dyslipidemic subjects, intolerant to statins at high dosages. During the run-in period, statins were stopped for 1 month, then they were re-introduced at the half of the previously taken dose. After that, patients were randomized to placebo or Berberol^®, 1 tablet during the lunch and 1 tablet during the dinner, for 6 months. Anthropometric, metabolic and inflammatory parameters were assessed at randomization, at 3 and 6 months.Resultsfasting plasma glucose, insulin, and HOMA-index levels were reduced by Berberol^®, but not by placebo; moreover they were lower than the ones recorded with placebo. Total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, and myeloperoxidase did not change after 6 months since the reduction of statin dosage and the introduction of Berberol^®, while they increased in the placebo group, and were higher compared to the ones obtained with active treatment. No patients had serious adverse events in both groups.Conclusionsour study displays the rationale of the combination of Berberol^® and a reduced dosage of statin for the treatment of hyperlipidemia in patients intolerant to statins at high dosage.     

伊曲康唑序贯疗法治疗老年MODS患者侵袭性肺部真菌感染14例

目的 观察伊曲康唑序贯疗法治疗老年多脏器功能障碍综合征（MODS）患者侵袭性肺部真菌感染的疗效。方法 回顾分析重症监护病房（ICU）中,老年MODS患者侵袭性真菌感染14例,最初应用伊曲康唑注射液7～14d,第1～2d,200mg,1次／12h,第3～14d,200mg,1次／d;然后,采用伊曲康唑胶囊或口服液序贯治疗,400mg／d剂量水平,疗程2—4周。结果 临床有效率85．7％,真菌清除率为92．9％,真菌清除平均天数为6．1d;患者28d生存率85．7％,不良反应发生率为42．9％。结论 对老年MODS合并侵袭性真菌感染患者在综合治疗的基础上,应用广谱抗真菌药物——伊曲康唑序贯疗法,是巩固疗效,防止复发值得推广的给药方式。临床应用伊曲康唑时,应注意适应证、药物不良反应及药物的相互作用。     

How I Treat Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is an endemic mycosis caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Some important manifestations of infection include acute or chronic pulmonary disease, histoplasmomas, progressive disseminated histoplasmosis, and central nervous system infection. Depending on the clinical presentation, site of infection and severity of disease, either amphotericin B preparations followed by itraconazole, or itraconazole alone have become the preferred treatments. Because prolonged therapy (6 weeks to 24 months) may be required, careful monitoring for nephrotoxicity in patients on amphotericin B preparations is necessary. In addition, in patients receiving itraconazole, vigilance for drug interactions and pharmacokinetic properties is warranted. Histoplasma antigen testing has improved rapidity of diagnosis and the ability of long-term monitoring for clinical response in patients with histoplasmosis.     

Can n-3 PUFA reduce cardiac arrhythmias? Results of a clinical trial

Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) derived from fatty fish or fish oil may reduce the incidence of lethal myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. This might be due to a prevention of fatal cardiac arrhythmias. So far, however, only few clinical data are available being adequate to define indications for an antiarrhythmic treatment with n-3 PUFA. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study 65 patients with cardiac arrhythmias without coronary heart disease or heart failure were subdivided into 2 groups. One group (n = 33) was supplemented with encapsulated fish oil (3g/day, equivalent to 1g/day of n-3 PUFA) over 6 months. The other group (n = 32) was given 3g/day of olive oil as placebo. In the fish oil group a decrease of serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, plasma free fatty acids and thromboxane B2 as well as an increase of HDL cholesterol were observed. Moreover, a reduced incidence of atrial and ventricular premature complexes, couplets and triplets were documented. Accordingly, higher grades of Lown's classification switched to lower grades at the end of the dietary period. No changes were seen in the placebo group. The data indicate an antiarrhythmic action of n-3 PUFA under conditions of clinical practice which might help to explain the reduced incidence of fatal myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death in cohorts on a fish-rich diet or supplemented with n-3 PUFA. Further studies elucidating the possible link between the reduced incidence of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death by dietary intake of n-3 PUFA are warranted.