Clinical Assessment of Itraconazole in Dermatophytosis (CLEAR Study): A Retrospective Evaluation

ABSTRACT

roduction The recent prevalence of dermatophytosis in India ranges from 36.6 to 78.4%. Itraconazole is commonly usedsystemic antifungal to treat dermatophytosis.Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of itraconazole given 100 mg twicedaily for the treatment of dermatophytosis.Materials and Methods: The present retrospective questionnaire-based survey was done, wherein dermatologists and generalphysicians were given survey questionnaire. Data analysis up to 4 weeks of treatment with itraconazole was considered forthis study. Efficacy evaluation was considered as percentage of patients achieving clinical cure.Results: A total of 150 doctors completed the survey involving 1100 patients. Out of 1100 patients, 341 patients (31%)responded well to topical therapy alone and were considered as clinically cured as per medical records. In remaining patientswho did not respond well to topical monotherapy, itraconazole was found to be added in 652 patients as 100 mg twice daily for4 weeks. Of these, 456 patients (70%) responded well to therapy in 4 weeks and were considered as clinically cured. Amongthe topical antifungals coprescribed with itraconazole, luliconazole was most commonly prescribed (49%). On comparison ofclinical cure rates in patients who received topical antifungal monotherapy (31%) and itraconazole cotherapy (70%), it was foundthat itraconazole cotherapy was better and the difference between the two therapies was statistically significant (P = 0.001).Conclusion: From the findings of the present analysis, clinical cure rates obtained with itraconazole were more than satisfactory.Although the standard duration of therapy ranges from 1 to 2 weeks, long-term treatment is warranted and that is with topicalantifungals and other supportive measures.