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Gupta AK, Polla Ravi S, Haas-Neill S, Wang T, Cooper EA. Utility of devices for onychomycosis: a review. J DERMATOL TREAT 2023; 34:2265658. [PMID: 37807661 DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2023.2265658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Onychomycosis is difficult to treat due to long treatment durations, poor efficacy rates of treatments, high relapse rates, and safety issues when using systemic antifungal agents. Device-based treatments are targeted to specific regions of the nail, have favorable safely profiles, and do not interfere with systemic agents. They may be an effective alternative therapy for onychomycosis especially with increasing reports of squalene epoxidase gene mutations and potential resistance to terbinafine therapy. In this review, we discuss four devices used as antifungal treatments and three devices used as penetration enhancers for topical agents. Lasers, photodynamic therapy, microwaves, and non-thermal plasma have the capacity to inactivate fungal pathogens demonstrated through in vivo studies. Efficacy rates for these devices, however, remain relatively low pointing toward the need to further optimize device or usage parameters. Ultrasound, nail drilling, and iontophoresis aid in improving the permeability of topical agents through the nail and have been investigated as adjunctive therapies. Due to the paucity in clinical data, their efficacy in treating onychomycosis has not yet been established. While the results of clinical studies point toward the potential utility of devices for onychomycosis, further large-scale randomized clinical trials following regulatory guidelines are required to confirm current results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya K Gupta
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Toronto School of Medicine, Toronto, Canada
- Mediprobe Research Inc., London, Canada
| | | | | | - Tong Wang
- Mediprobe Research Inc., London, Canada
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Navarro-Pérez D, Tardáguila-García A, García-Oreja S, López-Moral M, García-Madrid M, Lázaro-Martínez JL. Onychomycosis associated with diabetic foot syndrome: A systematic review. Mycoses 2023; 66:459-466. [PMID: 36790078 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A systematic review was conducted to investigate the prevalence of onychomycosis in patients with diabetes. The association of onychomycosis with risk factors in patients with diabetic foot syndrome was also examined. METHODS The recommendations in the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) checklist were applied, and the included studies were assessed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) method. Searches were conducted in October 2022 using PubMed (Medline) and Scopus for clinical studies, clinical trials, comparative studies, observational studies, and randomised clinical trials or controlled clinical trials addressing the prevalence and consequences of onychomycosis in patients with diabetes, diagnoses or treatments. Two authors performed the study selection and data extraction, and any discrepancies between the two reviewers were resolved through discussion with a third reviewer. RESULTS The systematic review included ten studies that met the inclusion criteria, and these studies enrolled 5664 patients with diabetes. Among these patients, 29.18% had onychomycosis that was mainly caused by Trichophyton rubrum. A significant association was found between the occurrence of onychomycosis and the presence of diabetic neuropathy (p = .012) and elevated glycosylated haemoglobin values (p = .039). There was no significant association between onychomycosis and ulceration (p = .185). Eight studies had a grade 4 level of evidence and a grade C recommendation, and one study had a grade 1b level of evidence and a grade A recommendation. CONCLUSION The information described in the literature is insufficient and heterogeneous regarding the association of risk factors and ulceration in patients with diabetic foot compared with developing onychomycosis. There is also a need to implement onychomycosis diagnostic testing instead of relying only on a clinical diagnosis. Additional prospective, randomised, comparative studies are needed to increase the quality of studies in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Navarro-Pérez
- Diabetic Foot Unit, Clínica Universitaria de Podología, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Aroa Tardáguila-García
- Diabetic Foot Unit, Clínica Universitaria de Podología, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara García-Oreja
- Diabetic Foot Unit, Clínica Universitaria de Podología, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mateo López-Moral
- Diabetic Foot Unit, Clínica Universitaria de Podología, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta García-Madrid
- Diabetic Foot Unit, Clínica Universitaria de Podología, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Lázaro-Martínez
- Diabetic Foot Unit, Clínica Universitaria de Podología, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
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Overbeek JA, Swart KMA, van der Pal EYM, Blom MT, Beulens JWJ, Nijpels G, Elders PJM, Herings RMC. The DIAbetes MANagement and Treatment (DIAMANT) Cohort. Clin Epidemiol 2022; 14:1453-1462. [PMID: 36506003 PMCID: PMC9733447 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s381728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The increasing number of people with diabetes and the unclear long-term safety and effectiveness of newer and older blood-glucose-lowering treatments emphasize the need for more pharmaco-epidemiological studies in this field. A prospective, regularly updated cohort of people with diabetes would provide quick and up-to-date information regarding prevalence, treatment, safety and effectiveness. The current aim was to describe the design of the DIAbetes MANagement and Treatment (DIAMANT) cohort. Methods The DIAMANT cohort is a population-based, dynamic, prospective cohort of persons with diabetes. It contains real-world data (RWD) from general practitioners (GP), including diagnoses, symptoms, examinations, communication to/from specialists and medication. Diabetes is defined as a recorded diabetes diagnosis or a prescription of drugs used in diabetes. The cohort is part of the national infrastructure of "Stichting Informatievoorziening voor Zorg en Onderzoek" (STIZON) and is linked to other data sources. Results Currently, the cohort enables access to information of 89,883 patients in 2004 to 344,914 in 2020 (6% T1D, 84% T2D and 10% unclassified type of diabetes), with 193,931 participants still registered as being present in the GP practice (active) in 2020. The frequency of follow-up of persons with diabetes is practice dependent. The Dutch guidelines advise 2-4 contacts per year with a more extensive yearly check-up. The DIAMANT cohort is updated several times a year. Anonymised data from the DIAMANT cohort are available to researchers. Discussion The DIAMANT cohort provides the opportunity to gain RWD insights into the treatment and outcomes among people with diabetes in daily general practice. The data can be enriched by established linkages to other data sources (eg, hospital data, the Perinatal Registry, the Cancer Registry). The DIAMANT cohort serves as a start of a national infrastructure to study, manage and provide personalised care in order to ultimately improve care and outcomes for people with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jetty A Overbeek
- Department Research, PHARMO Institute for Drug Outcomes Research, Utrecht, Netherlands,Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC - Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands,Health Behaviors & Chronic Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands,Correspondence: Jetty A Overbeek, Department Research, PHARMO Institute for Drug Outcomes Research, Van Deventerlaan 30-40, Utrecht, 3528 AE, Netherlands, Tel +3130 7440 800, Email
| | - Karin M A Swart
- Department Research, PHARMO Institute for Drug Outcomes Research, Utrecht, Netherlands,Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC - Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands,Health Behaviors & Chronic Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Emma Y M van der Pal
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC - Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands,Health Behaviors & Chronic Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marieke T Blom
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC - Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands,Health Behaviors & Chronic Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joline W J Beulens
- Health Behaviors & Chronic Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands,Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC - Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands,Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Giel Nijpels
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC - Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands,Health Behaviors & Chronic Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Petra J M Elders
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC - Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands,Health Behaviors & Chronic Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ron M C Herings
- Department Research, PHARMO Institute for Drug Outcomes Research, Utrecht, Netherlands,Health Behaviors & Chronic Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands,Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC - Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Gupta AK, Venkataraman M, Quinlan EM. Efficacy of Lasers for the Management of Dermatophyte Toenail Onychomycosis. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 2022; 112:20-236. [PMID: 34233353 DOI: 10.7547/20-236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Onychomycosis is a chronic fungal nail infection caused predominantly by dermatophytes, and less commonly by nondermatophyte molds and Candida species. Onychomycosis treatment includes oral and topical antifungals, the efficacy of which is evaluated through randomized, double-blind, controlled trials for US Food and Drug Administration approval. The primary efficacy measure is complete cure (complete mycologic and clinical cure). The secondary measures are clinical cure (usually ≤10% involvement of target nail) and mycologic cure (negative microscopy and culture). Some lasers are US Food and Drug Administration approved for the mild temporary increase in clear nail; however, some practitioners attempt to use lasers to treat and cure onychomycosis. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was performed in July of 2020 to evaluate the efficacy rates demonstrated by randomized controlled trials of laser monotherapy for dermatophyte onychomycosis of the great toenail. RESULTS Randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of laser monotherapy for dermatophyte toenail onychomycosis are limited. Many studies measured cure rates by means of nails instead of patients, and performed only microscopy or culture, not both. Only one included study reported mycologic cure rate in patients as negative light microscopy and culture (0%). The combined clinical cure rates in short- and long-pulsed laser studies were 13.0%-16.7% and 25.9%, respectively. There was no study that reported the complete cure rate; however, one did report treatment success (mycologic cure [negative microscopy and culture] and ≤10% clinical involvement) in nails as 16.7%. CONCLUSIONS The effectiveness of lasers as a therapeutic intervention for dermatophyte toenail onychomycosis is limited based on complete, mycologic, and clinical cure rates. However, it may be possible to use different treatment parameters or lasers with a different wavelength to increase the efficacy. Lasers could be a potential management option for older patients and onychomycosis patients with coexisting conditions such as diabetes, liver, and/or kidney diseases for whom systemic antifungal agents are contraindicated or have failed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya K Gupta
- *Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,†Mediprobe Research Inc, London, Ontario, Canada
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Combination Therapy Should Be Reserved as Second-Line Treatment of Onychomycosis: A Systematic Review of Onychomycosis Clinical Trials. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8030279. [PMID: 35330281 PMCID: PMC8949799 DOI: 10.3390/jof8030279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Onychomycosis is the most common nail disease encountered in clinical practice. Its importance extends well beyond aesthetics, often causing pain, difficulty with ambulation and performing daily activities, and impairing quality of life. Many patients fail to achieve cure with antifungal monotherapy and recurrences are common. Combination therapy has therefore gained considerable interest, given the potential for drug synergy and prevention of antifungal resistance, but it has not been well studied. A systematic review of onychomycosis medication only, as well as medication and procedural (laser, debridement, photodynamic therapy), clinical or randomized controlled trials evaluating combination vs. monotherapies was performed. After exclusions, 30 studies were included in the final analysis. There were conflicting results for medication-only trials, with some showing significant benefit of combination therapy over monotherapy, however, trials were not robustly designed and lacked sufficient follow-up. Procedural studies also lacked long-term follow-up, and failed to demonstrate efficacy in some severe onychomycosis cases. Considering the high cure rates demonstrated in pivotal antifungal monotherapy trials, and conflicting results, costs, and safety concerns associated with combination therapy, we recommend that combination therapy be reserved as second-line treatment options in patients with poor prognostic factors or for those who failed monotherapy for onychomycosis.
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Aukstikalnyte AE, Cibien E, De Demo P, Eisendle K. Combination of a triple wavelength (650 nm, 810 nm, and 915 nm) class IV laser system and local mechanical abrasion in the treatment of chronic toenail onychomycosis: an uncontrolled prospective pilot study. Int J Dermatol 2021; 61:367-371. [PMID: 34449880 PMCID: PMC9290882 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.15869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background Toenail onychomycosis is a frequent fungal infection that is difficult to treat, especially in elderly patients. Diverse local and systemic antifungal treatments are available with variable results. Recently, different laser systems have been proposed for the treatment of onychomycosis, among them a class IV laser system adopting three different wavelengths, that is, 650, 810, and 915 nm (K‐Laser Cube 3TM). Objectives This prospective pilot study aims to clarify the clinical, histopathologic, and cultural mycological efficacy of the combination of a triple wavelength laser system and local mechanical abrasion in the treatment of toenail onychomycosis. Methods Eight treatment sessions were performed involving a mechanical drill of the friable nail material followed by the laser treatment with four 2‐minute cycles per nail with a median power of 3 W providing 240 J each. Clinical exam, mycological culture, and histopathology with PAS staining of nail clips were performed at the beginning and the end of the treatment period. Results Nine patients with 16 clinically involved nails were included in this study (median age: 55.6). Clinical improvement was noted in eight patients (89%) at the end of the treatment cycles. Initial positive cultures could be reduced from six (67%) to two (22%), P = 0.07, while histopathologic examination by PAS staining remained invariable positive in all patients (100%). Conclusion Despite clinical improvement, the combination of this laser treatment and mechanical abrasion could not reduce the fungal infection rate in affected toenails. Additional local or systemic antimycotic agents should be combined in order to avoid expected clinical recurrences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelija E Aukstikalnyte
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Academic Teaching Department of Medical University Innsbruck, Böhlerstr, Bolzano/Bozen, Italy
| | - Eva Cibien
- College of Healthcare Professions Claudiana, University La Sapienza Rome, Böhlerstr, Bolzano/Bozen, Italy.,Centro Podologico Altoatesino/Zentrum für Podologie, Südtirol, Bolzano/Bozen, Italy
| | - Pamela De Demo
- College of Healthcare Professions Claudiana, University La Sapienza Rome, Böhlerstr, Bolzano/Bozen, Italy.,Podology, Medical Center Merano, Merano/Meran, Italy
| | - Klaus Eisendle
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Academic Teaching Department of Medical University Innsbruck, Böhlerstr, Bolzano/Bozen, Italy.,College of Healthcare Professions Claudiana, University La Sapienza Rome, Böhlerstr, Bolzano/Bozen, Italy
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Chang MJ, Qiu Y, Lipner SR. Race reporting and representation in onychomycosis clinical trials: A systematic review. Mycoses 2021; 64:954-966. [PMID: 33655595 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Onychomycosis is the most common nail disease seen in clinical practice. Inclusion of diverse groups in onychomycosis clinical trials subjects is necessary to generalise efficacy data. OBJECTIVES We aimed to systematically review race and ethnicity reporting and representation, as well as, treatment outcomes in onychomycosis clinical trials. METHODS A PubMed search for onychomycosis clinical trials was performed in August 2020. Primary clinical trial data were included and post hoc analyses were excluded. Categorical variables were compared using chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests. Statistical significance was set at p < .05. Photos in articles were categorised by Fitzpatrick skin type. RESULTS Only 32/182 (17.5%) trials reported on race and/or ethnicity and only one trial compared treatment efficacy in different subgroups. Darker skin colours were infrequently depicted in articles. Topical treatment, location with ≥1 US-based site, industry funding type and publication date after 2000 were significantly associated with reporting of racial/ethnic data (p < .05 for all comparisons). LIMITATIONS Demographics on excluded subjects and methods of recruitment were not available. Assigning Fitzpatrick skin type is inherently subjective. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights a need for consistent reporting of races and ethnicities of onychomycosis clinical trial participants with subgroup analyses of treatment efficacies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuqing Qiu
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shari R Lipner
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Foley K, Gupta AK, Versteeg S, Mays R, Villanueva E, John D. Topical and device-based treatments for fungal infections of the toenails. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 1:CD012093. [PMID: 31978269 PMCID: PMC6984586 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012093.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Onychomycosis refers to fungal infections of the nail apparatus that may cause pain, discomfort, and disfigurement. This is an update of a Cochrane Review published in 2007; a substantial amount of new research warrants a review exclusively on toenails. OBJECTIVES To assess the clinical and mycological effects of topical drugs and device-based therapies for toenail onychomycosis. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following databases up to May 2019: the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and LILACS. We also searched five trials registers, and checked the reference lists of included and excluded studies for further references to relevant randomised controlled trials. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials of topical and device-based therapies for onychomycosis in participants with toenail onychomycosis, confirmed by positive cultures, direct microscopy, or histological nail examination. Eligible comparators were placebo, vehicle, no treatment, or an active topical or device-based treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Primary outcomes were complete cure rate (normal-looking nail plus fungus elimination, determined with laboratory methods) and number of participants reporting treatment-related adverse events. MAIN RESULTS We included 56 studies (12,501 participants, average age: 27 to 68 years), with mainly mild-to-moderate onychomycosis without matrix involvement (where reported). Participants had more than one toenail affected. Most studies lasted 48 to 52 weeks; 23% reported disease duration (variable). Thirty-five studies specifically examined dermatophyte-caused onychomycosis. Forty-three studies were carried out in outpatient settings. Most studies assessed topical treatments, 9% devices, and 11% both. We rated three studies at low risk of bias across all domains. The most common high-risk domain was performance bias. We present results for key comparisons, where treatment duration was 36 or 48 weeks, and clinical outcomes were measured at 40 to 52 weeks. Based on two studies (460 participants), compared with vehicle, ciclopirox 8% lacquer may be more effective in achieving complete cure (risk ratio (RR) 9.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.72 to 50.14; low-quality evidence) and is probably more effective in achieving mycological cure (RR 3.15, 95% CI 1.93 to 5.12; moderate-quality evidence). Ciclopirox lacquer may lead to increased adverse events, commonly application reactions, rashes, and nail alteration (e.g. colour, shape). However, the 95% CI indicates that ciclopirox lacquer may actually make little or no difference (RR 1.61, 95% CI 0.89 to 2.92; low-quality evidence). Efinaconazole 10% solution is more effective than vehicle in achieving complete cure (RR 3.54, 95% CI 2.24 to 5.60; 3 studies, 1716 participants) and clinical cure (RR 3.07, 95% CI 2.08 to 4.53; 2 studies, 1655 participants) (both high-quality evidence) and is probably more effective in achieving mycological cure (RR 2.31, 95% CI 1.08 to 4.94; 3 studies, 1716 participants; moderate-quality evidence). Risk of adverse events (such as dermatitis and vesicles) was slightly higher with efinaconazole (RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.20; 3 studies, 1701 participants; high-quality evidence). No other key comparison measured clinical cure. Based on two studies, compared with vehicle, tavaborole 5% solution is probably more effective in achieving complete cure (RR 7.40, 95% CI 2.71 to 20.24; 1198 participants), but probably has a higher risk of adverse events (application site reactions were most commonly reported) (RR 3.82, 95% CI 1.65 to 8.85; 1186 participants (both moderate-quality evidence)). Tavaborole improves mycological cure (RR 3.40, 95% CI 2.34 to 4.93; 1198 participants; high-quality evidence). Moderate-quality evidence from two studies (490 participants) indicates that P-3051 (ciclopirox 8% hydrolacquer) is probably more effective than the comparators ciclopirox 8% lacquer or amorolfine 5% in achieving complete cure (RR 2.43, 95% CI 1.32 to 4.48), but there is probably little or no difference between the treatments in achieving mycological cure (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.37). We found no difference in the risk of adverse events (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.19 to 1.92; 2 studies, 487 participants; low-quality evidence). The most common events were erythema, rash, and burning. Three studies (112 participants) compared 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser to no treatment or sham treatment. We are uncertain if there is a difference in adverse events (very low-quality evidence) (two studies; 85 participants). There may be little or no difference in mycological cure at 52 weeks (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.85; 2 studies, 85 participants; low-quality evidence). Complete cure was not measured. One study (293 participants) compared luliconazole 5% solution to vehicle. We are uncertain whether luliconazole leads to higher rates of complete cure (very low-quality evidence). Low-quality evidence indicates there may be little or no difference in adverse events (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.16) and there may be increased mycological cure with luliconazole; however, the 95% CI indicates that luliconazole may make little or no difference to mycological cure (RR 1.39, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.97). Commonly-reported adverse events were dry skin, paronychia, eczema, and hyperkeratosis, which improved or resolved post-treatment. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Assessing complete cure, high-quality evidence supports the effectiveness of efinaconazole, moderate-quality evidence supports P-3051 (ciclopirox 8% hydrolacquer) and tavaborole, and low-quality evidence supports ciclopirox 8% lacquer. We are uncertain whether luliconazole 5% solution leads to complete cure (very low-quality evidence); this outcome was not measured by the 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser comparison. Although evidence supports topical treatments, complete cure rates with topical treatments are relatively low. We are uncertain if 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser increases adverse events compared with no treatment or sham treatment (very low-quality evidence). Low-quality evidence indicates that there is no difference in adverse events between P-3051 (ciclopirox hydrolacquer), luliconazole 5% solution, and their comparators. Ciclopirox 8% lacquer may increase adverse events (low-quality evidence). High- to moderate-quality evidence suggests increased adverse events with efinaconazole 10% solution or tavaborole 5% solution. We downgraded evidence for heterogeneity, lack of blinding, and small sample sizes. There is uncertainty about the effectiveness of device-based treatments, which were under-represented; 80% of studies assessed topical treatments, but we were unable to evaluate all of the currently relevant topical treatments. Future studies of topical and device-based therapies should be blinded, with patient-centred outcomes and an adequate sample size. They should specify the causative organism and directly compare treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Foley
- Mediprobe Research Inc.645 Windermere RoadLondonONCanadaN5X 2P1
| | - Aditya K Gupta
- Mediprobe Research Inc.645 Windermere RoadLondonONCanadaN5X 2P1
| | - Sarah Versteeg
- Mediprobe Research Inc.645 Windermere RoadLondonONCanadaN5X 2P1
| | - Rachel Mays
- Mediprobe Research Inc.645 Windermere RoadLondonONCanadaN5X 2P1
| | - Elmer Villanueva
- Xi'an Jiaotong‐Liverpool UniversityDepartment of Public Health111 Ren'ai Road, Dushu Lake Higher Education TownSuzhou Industrial ParkSuzhouJiangsuChina
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