Ahdi Amer1, Howard Fischer. 1. Wayne State University School of Medicine, The Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Pityriasis rosea (PR) is a common skin disorder in children. Its cause is unknown. A recent publication reported a 73% cure rate in patients with PR after treatment with erythromycin. To duplicate this result using a drug with fewer adverse effects and greater biological half-life, we set out to study the effect of azithromycin on PR. Azithromycin is an azalide antibiotic with a spectrum of antimicrobial activity very similar to that of erythromycin. DESIGN: We randomly assigned 49 children with PR to receive either azithromycin (12 mg/kg per day, up to a maximum of 500 mg/day) for 5 days or a similar-appearing placebo. Study physicians were blinded to patients' treatment type. Two pediatricians had to agree on the diagnosis of PR before patients could be enrolled. Subjects were seen at follow-up visits 1, 2, and 4 weeks after starting treatment. OUTCOME MEASURES: We measured the appearance of new lesions and resolution of lesions. RESULTS:Rates of cure and of partial resolution were similar in the azithromycin and placebo groups. CONCLUSION:Azithromycin does not cure PR.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVES:Pityriasis rosea (PR) is a common skin disorder in children. Its cause is unknown. A recent publication reported a 73% cure rate in patients with PR after treatment with erythromycin. To duplicate this result using a drug with fewer adverse effects and greater biological half-life, we set out to study the effect of azithromycin on PR. Azithromycin is an azalide antibiotic with a spectrum of antimicrobial activity very similar to that of erythromycin. DESIGN: We randomly assigned 49 children with PR to receive either azithromycin (12 mg/kg per day, up to a maximum of 500 mg/day) for 5 days or a similar-appearing placebo. Study physicians were blinded to patients' treatment type. Two pediatricians had to agree on the diagnosis of PR before patients could be enrolled. Subjects were seen at follow-up visits 1, 2, and 4 weeks after starting treatment. OUTCOME MEASURES: We measured the appearance of new lesions and resolution of lesions. RESULTS: Rates of cure and of partial resolution were similar in the azithromycin and placebo groups. CONCLUSION:Azithromycin does not cure PR.
Authors: Jose Contreras-Ruiz; Sandra Peternel; Carlos Jiménez Gutiérrez; Ivana Culav-Koscak; Ludovic Reveiz; Maria de Lourdes Silbermann-Reynoso Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2019-10-30
Authors: Malene Plejdrup Hansen; Anna M Scott; Amanda McCullough; Sarah Thorning; Jeffrey K Aronson; Elaine M Beller; Paul P Glasziou; Tammy C Hoffmann; Justin Clark; Chris B Del Mar Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2019-01-18