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Ramzy B, Emily AH, Jiryis B, Ziad K. Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser treatment for onychomycosis - is it really effective? A prospective assessment for efficiency and factors contributing to response. Mycoses 2024; 67:e13657. [PMID: 37864392 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13657] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Onychomycosis is a highly prevalent and persistent nail disorder primarily caused by dermatophytes. The effectiveness of current topical and systemic antifungals is limited by the extent and severity of the infection, patient demographics and health status, hepatic toxicity, drug interactions and low compliance. Laser therapy is a promising modality for safe and cost-effective removal of mycotic nail. This prospective study assessed the performance of a multi-series long-pulsed Nd:YAG 1064 nm regimen (30-40 J/cm2 , 1 Hz) in the treatment of 213 mycotic nails in 31 patients. Pain and discomfort were scored at each treatment session and mycological and clinical cure rates were determined 3 months after the last treatment session. Patients presented with mostly severe (mean SCIO score: 21.9 ± 8.9), T. rubrum-positive (87.1%) infections. Most (61%) had a family history of onychomycosis and a significant proportion had comorbidities, including hypertension (38.7%), hyperlipidemia (35.5%) and/or diabetes (12.9%). Treatment was well tolerated and there were no reports of nail deformity or burns. By 3 months post-treatment, mycological cure was achieved by 4 (12.9%) and visual improvements were noted for 10 (32.3%) patients, including 3 (9.7%) with moderate to significant improvements. Clinical response correlated with baseline SCIO ≤ 20 (OR: 0.9 [0.13-6.52]), family history of onychomycosis (OR: 0.27 [0.04-1.50]) and comorbidities (OR: 0.44 [0.05-3.74]). In conclusion, Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser is safe and effective for the management of mild-to-moderate onychomycosis in diverse populations. Further studies will be necessary to adjust treatment parameters to patient and nail profiles and to determine the impact of combined laser and topical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batheesh Ramzy
- Department of Dermatology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Avitan-Hersh Emily
- Department of Dermatology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Badi Jiryis
- Department of Dermatology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Khamaysi Ziad
- Department of Dermatology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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2
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Gupta AK, Venkataraman M, Quinlan EM, Gupta MA, Anbalagan N, Lyons R. More than Nail Deep: The Effect of Efinaconazole 10% Treatment on the Quality of Life in Patients with Onychomycosis: A post hoc Study. Skin Appendage Disord 2021; 7:272-279. [PMID: 34307474 PMCID: PMC8280442 DOI: 10.1159/000514361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Onychomycosis is a common, difficult-to-treat fungal nail infection. Clinical signs include nail discoloration and thickening, which patients often find embarrassing, causing a negative impact on their quality of life (QOL). METHODS In this post hoc study, we analyze the effect of efinaconazole 10% solution on a patient's QOL using patient-reported scores from the OnyCOE-t™ questionnaire (appearance, stigma, physical problems, symptom frequency, symptom bothersomeness, treatment satisfaction, and overall problem). Higher scores corresponded to better functioning, thus higher QOL. RESULTS Efinaconazole 10% treatment and clinical efficacy were positively correlated with improved QOL in all domains for all groups, except with symptom bothersomeness (how much the onychomycosis symptoms worried or concerned the patient) for female patients <40 years. While still showing improvement in most domains during efficacious treatment, female and younger patients reported lower QOL scores than their male and older counterparts, despite having better clinical outcomes at follow-ups. DISCUSSION Female and younger patients appear to be more emotionally bothered by their symptoms, regardless of treatment success or improvement of their nail's appearance, suggesting that onychomycosis is more than nail deep and has a greater psychological effect on these patients. Therefore, younger female patients may require more assurance and mental support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya K. Gupta
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Mediprobe Research Inc., London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Madhulika A. Gupta
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Rachel Lyons
- Ortho-Dermatologics, Bridgewater, New Jersey, USA
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Gupta A, Stec N, Summerbell R, Shear N, Piguet V, Tosti A, Piraccini B. Onychomycosis: a review. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34:1972-1990. [DOI: 10.1111/jdv.16394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A.K. Gupta
- Division of Dermatology Department of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
- Mediprobe Research Inc. London ON Canada
| | - N. Stec
- Mediprobe Research Inc. London ON Canada
| | - R.C. Summerbell
- Sporometrics Toronto ON Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
| | - N.H. Shear
- Division of Dermatology Department of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
- Division of Dermatology Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Toronto ON Canada
| | - V. Piguet
- Division of Dermatology Department of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
- Division of Dermatology Women's College Hospital Toronto ON Canada
| | - A. Tosti
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery Leonard Miller School of Medicine University of Miami Miami FL USA
| | - B.M. Piraccini
- Dermatology Unit Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine University of Bologna Bologna Italy
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Stewart CR, Algu L, Kamran R, Leveille CF, Abid K, Rae C, Lipner SR. Effect of onychomycosis and treatment on patient-reported quality-of-life outcomes: A systematic review. J Am Acad Dermatol 2020; 85:1227-1239. [PMID: 32502586 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.05.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Onychomycosis is the most common nail disorder, often causing physical, emotional, and aesthetic consequences. The effect of both the condition itself and treatment on quality of life has not been well studied. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to systematically review the available literature describing the effect of onychomycosis and treatment on quality of life. METHODS We performed a search of the onychomycosis literature published before April 13, 2020. Articles were included in the review if primary data were presented, patient-reported outcome measures were used, and onychomycosis was specifically examined. RESULTS Thirty studies were included in the final analysis. Poorest quality-of-life scores were associated with women and fingernail involvement. Quality-of-life scores improved from baseline with all treatment types; there were greater improvements reported with oral treatments compared with topical ones. CONCLUSIONS This review affirms that onychomycosis significantly influences quality of life, warranting effective treatment. All treatments resulted in quality-of-life improvements; however, studies on oral and topical therapies were of higher quality than those evaluating devices. Increased efforts are needed to understand the effect of the disease and therapy as assessed by validated, nail-specific outcome measures that accurately assess patients' cosmetic, physical, and social difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leah Algu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rakhshan Kamran
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cameron F Leveille
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Khizar Abid
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Charlene Rae
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shari R Lipner
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York.
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Iozumi K, Abe M, Ito Y, Uesugi T, Onoduka T, Kato I, Kato F, Kodama K, Takahashi H, Takeda O, Tomizawa K, Nomiyama T, Fujii M, Mayama J, Muramoto F, Yasuda H, Yamanaka K, Sato T, Oh-I T, Kasai H, Tsuboi R, Hattori N, Maruyama R, Omi T, Shimoyama H, Sei Y, Nakasu I, Nishimoto S, Hata Y, Mochizuki T, Fukuzawa M, Seishima M, Sugiura K, Katayama I, Yamamoto O, Shindo M, Kiryu H, Kusuhara M, Takenaka M, Watanabe S. Efficacy of long-term treatment with efinaconazole 10% solution in patients with onychomycosis, including severe cases: A multicenter, single-arm study. J Dermatol 2019; 46:641-651. [PMID: 31206779 PMCID: PMC6771904 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.14935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the efficacy of efinaconazole 10% topical solution in long‐term use, for up to 72 weeks, for onychomycosis, including severe cases. Among 605 participants, 219 patients diagnosed as having onychomycosis were evaluated for the efficacy of efinaconazole. The treatment success rate (<10% clinical involvement of the target toenail) at the final assessment time point was 56.6%, the complete cure rate was 31.1% and the mycological cure rate was 61.6%, all of which increased over time, demonstrating that continuous application contributed to the improvement of cure rate. Even in severe cases, reduction of the affected nail area was observed, showing the potential efficacy of the treatment. Responses to a quality of life questionnaire among patients with onychomycosis, OnyCOE‐t, suggested that efinaconazole treatment improved the patients’ quality of life. The incidence of adverse drug reaction in the patients eligible for the assessment was 6.3%, and this developed only in the administration site in all cases. No systemic adverse event was observed. In addition, no increase in the incidence of adverse drug reaction due to long‐term use was found. Efinaconazole therapy was proved to exhibit excellent balance between efficacy and safety, and thus may serve as a useful treatment option for onychomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Iozumi
- Department of Dermatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Police Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Ichiro Kato
- Eniwa Station Dermatology Clinic, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Osamu Takeda
- Takeda Dermatological Skin Care Clinic, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | | | - Mizue Fujii
- Department of Dermatology, Asahikawa Medical University Hospital, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Jun Mayama
- Chitose Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Clinic, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Tomotaka Sato
- Department of Dermatology, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center, Chiba, Japan.,Department of Dermatology, Kitasato University Kitasato Institute Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Hiroko Kasai
- Department of Dermatology, Kitasato University Kitasato Institute Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryoji Tsuboi
- Department of Dermatology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Tokuya Omi
- Queen's Square Medical Center, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Harunari Shimoyama
- Department of Dermatology, Teikyo University Mizonokuchi Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Sei
- Department of Dermatology, Teikyo University Mizonokuchi Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Shuhei Nishimoto
- Department of Dermatology, Saiseikai Kanagawa Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yasuki Hata
- Department of Dermatology, Saiseikai Kanagawa Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan.,Kanagawa Hata Dermatology Clinic, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Mochizuki
- Department of Dermatology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Masao Fukuzawa
- Department of Dermatology, Ina Central Hospital, Nagano, Japan
| | - Mariko Seishima
- Department of Dermatology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Kazumitsu Sugiura
- Department of Dermatology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | | | - Osamu Yamamoto
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine of Sensory and Motor Organs, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Tottori, Japan
| | - Masahisa Shindo
- Department of Dermatology, National Hospital Organization Hamada Medical Center, Shimane, Japan
| | | | | | - Motoi Takenaka
- Department of Dermatology, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shinichi Watanabe
- Department of Dermatology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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7
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Wang J, Wiznia LE, Rieder EA. Patient-Reported Outcomes in Onychomycosis: A Review of Psychometrically Evaluated Instruments in Assessing Treatment Effectiveness. Skin Appendage Disord 2017; 3:144-155. [PMID: 28879191 DOI: 10.1159/000469666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Onychomycosis is the most common nail disorder and causes morbidity and impaired quality of life (QOL). Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) are patients' assessment of their health status or treatment response. PROs help assess what is most bothersome to patients to identify targets for intervention. We sought to review the PRO instruments currently used to assess QOL and treatment response in onychomycosis patients. PROCEDURES A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases through December 31, 2016, to identify all English language literature on onychomycosis, PRO, and QOL. RESULTS Currently, 5 validated PRO instruments exist specifically for onychomycosis. Oral therapies were most extensively studied using PRO instruments. QOL data generally correlated with clinical change, although patients sometimes reported improvement without any clinically significant nail clearance. The only psychometrically validated PRO instrument used to evaluate treatment response is the OnyCOE-t™. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians may underestimate the impact of onychomycosis on patients. With recent initiatives from health-care management organizations to improve patient experience and the recent approval of expensive and nonsuperior topical antifungal medications, PROs will be increasingly important in onychomycosis to assess patient priorities and optimize treatment. Future research should evaluate these instruments in special populations and fingernail disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren E Wiznia
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Evan A Rieder
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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8
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Tosti A, Elewski BE. Onychomycosis: Practical Approaches to Minimize Relapse and Recurrence. Skin Appendage Disord 2016; 2:83-87. [PMID: 27843933 DOI: 10.1159/000448056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toenail onychomycosis is a common disease in which treatment options are limited and treatment failures and disease recurrence are frequently encountered. It usually requires many months of treatment, and recurrence may occur in more than half of the patients within 1 year or more after the infection has been eradicated. Data on long-term treatment, follow-up and recurrence are limited. OBJECTIVE Our objective is to interpret these data and recommend practical approaches that should minimize recurrence based on our clinical experience. RESULTS Several factors have been suggested to play a role in the high incidence of recurrence, but only the extent of nail involvement and co-existing diabetes mellitus have been shown to have a significant impact. CONCLUSION The use of topical antifungals to prevent recurrences after complete cure was achieved has been suggested by various workers and used successfully in our practice. However, it has never been validated through clinical studies. Topical prophylaxis once weekly or twice monthly would seem appropriate in those patients most at risk. Prompt treatment of tinea pedis is essential, as is ensuring family members are free from disease. Patient education and pharmacologic intervention are equally important, and there are a number of simple strategies patients can employ. Managing onychomycosis is a significant long-term commitment for any patient, and minimizing recurrence is critical to meet their expectations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Tosti
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Fla, USA
| | - Boni E Elewski
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Ala., USA
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Vlahovic TC, Joseph WS, Scher RK, Tosti A, Plasencia J, Pariser DM, Markinson BC. Diagnosis and Management of Onychomycosis Perspectives from a Joint Podiatric Medicine-Dermatology Roundtable. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 2016; 106:155-62. [PMID: 27031556 DOI: 10.7547/14-170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection, and, as such, one of the goals of treatment should be eradication of the infective agent. Despite this, in contrast to dermatologists, many podiatric physicians do not include antifungals in their onychomycosis treatment plans. Before initiating treatment, confirmation of mycologic status via laboratory testing (eg, microscopy with potassium hydroxide preparation, histopathology with periodic acid-Schiff staining, fungal culture, and polymerase chain reaction) is important; however, more podiatric physicians rely solely on clinical signs than do dermatologists. These dissimilarities may be due, in part, to differences between specialties in training, reimbursement patterns, or practice orientation, and to explore these differences further, a joint podiatric medicine-dermatology roundtable was convened. In addition, treatment options have been limited owing to safety concerns with available oral antifungals and relatively low efficacy with previously available topical treatments. Recently approved topical treatments-efinaconzole and tavaborole-offer additional options for patients with mild-to-moderate disease. Debridement alone has no effect on mycologic status, and it is recommended that it be used in combination with an oral or topical antifungal. There is little to no clinical evidence to support the use of lasers or over-the-counter treatments for onychomycosis. After a patient has achieved cure (absence of clinical signs or absence of fungus with minimal clinical signs), lifestyle and hygiene measures, prophylactic/maintenance treatment, and proactive treatment for tinea pedis, including in family members, may help maintain this status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey C. Vlahovic
- Department of Podiatric Medicine and Orthopedics, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Warren S. Joseph
- Division of Podiatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Roxborough Memorial Hospital, Huntingdon Valley, PA
| | - Richard K. Scher
- General Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Antonella Tosti
- Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Leonard Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | | | - David M. Pariser
- Department of Dermatology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA
| | - Bryan C. Markinson
- The Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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Shimamura T, Miyamae A, Imai A, Hirayanagi K, Iwanaga T, Kubota N, Shibuya K. Comparison of Characteristics of Two Topical Therapeutic Agents for Onychomycosis. Med Mycol J 2016; 57:J141-J147. [DOI: 10.3314/mmj.16-00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ami Imai
- R&D Laboratories, POLA PHARMA INC
| | | | | | | | - Kazutoshi Shibuya
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Toho University School of Medicine
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11
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Lipner SR, Scher RK. Efinaconazole 10% topical solution for the topical treatment of onychomycosis of the toenail. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2015; 8:719-31. [PMID: 26325488 DOI: 10.1586/17512433.2015.1083418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Efinaconazole 10% topical solution is a new antifungal therapy for the topical treatment of mild to moderate toenail onychomycosis. In vitro and in vivo data have shown significant antifungal activity against dermatophytes, Candida spp. and nondermatophyte molds, and its mechanism of action is through inhibition of fungal lanosterol 14α-demethylase. In two parallel, double-blind, randomized, controlled, Phase III trials, complete cure rates were 17.8 and 15.2%, respectively, and mycological cure rates were 55.2 and 53.4%, respectively, for efinaconazole 10% topical solution, which were superior to vehicle, with minimal adverse events. This drug profile reviews the most recent basic science and clinical data for efinaconazole in the treatment of toenail onychomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard K Scher
- a Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical College , NY, USA
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12
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Abstract
Efinaconazole 10% topical solution is a new triazole recently approved for the treatment of onychomycosis. It inhibits fungal lanosterol 14α-demethylase in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, has potent antifungal activity against dermatophytes, as well as activity against Candida spp. and non-dermatophyte molds, and showed promising results in clinical trials. This review summarizes the mechanism of action, in vitro and in vivo data, clinical trials, safety, and quality-of-life data of efinaconazole as it applies to the treatment of onychomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shari R Lipner
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard K Scher
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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13
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LaSenna CE, Tosti A. Patient considerations in the management of toe onychomycosis - role of efinaconazole. Patient Prefer Adherence 2015; 9:887-91. [PMID: 26170638 PMCID: PMC4494615 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s72701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Onychomycosis is a difficult diagnosis to manage and treatment is sometimes avoided, as this diagnosis is often wrongly perceived as a cosmetic problem. However, onychomycosis has a negative impact on patients' quality of life, affecting social interaction, psychological well-being, and physical activities. Onychomycosis is also a risk factor for patients with diabetes, with proven increased rates of cellulitis, gangrene, and foot ulcers. Treatments are only mild to moderately effective, and rates of relapse and reinfection are high. Oral treatments require laboratory monitoring due to risk of hepatotoxicity and may be contraindicated in some patients due to risk of drug-drug interactions. Topical treatments require prolonged application and are not very effective. Efinaconazole 10% solution is a new topical triazole treatment for mild to moderate distal subungual onychomycosis, with good efficacy and without the need for debridement of nails. In onychomycosis of the toenails, efinaconazole 10% solution is documented to have a statistically significant, positive impact on patient satisfaction and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E LaSenna
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Correspondence: Charlotte LaSenna, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1600 Northwest, 10th Avenue, RMSB Building, Room 2023C, Miami, FL 33136, USA, Tel +1 305 243 5523, Fax +1 305 243 5810, Email
| | - Antonella Tosti
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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Cronin L, Moffitt M, Mawad D, Morton OC, Lauto A, Stack C. An in vitro study of the photodynamic effect of rose bengal on Trichophyton rubrum. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2014; 7:410-417. [PMID: 23125143 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201200168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Revised: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the finger or toenails, is predominantly caused by Trichophyton rubrum. Treatment is difficult due to high recurrence rates and problems with treatment compliance. For these reasons, alternative therapies are needed. Here we describe the photoactivation of Rose Bengal (RB) using a green laser (λ = 532 nm) at fluences of 68, 133 and 228 J/cm(2) , and assess its fungicidal activity on T. rubrum spore suspensions. A 140 µM RB solution was able to induce a fungicidal effect on T. rubrum when photosensitized with the fluence of 228 J/cm(2) . RB photosensitization using a green laser provides a potential novel treatment for T. rubrum infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Cronin
- School of Science and Health, University of Western Sydney, Campbelltown NSW 2560, Australia
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15
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Chacon A, Franca K, Fernandez A, Nouri K. Psychosocial impact of onychomycosis: a review. Int J Dermatol 2013; 52:1300-7. [DOI: 10.1111/ijd.12122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Chacon
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery; Miller School of Medicine; University of Miami; Miami FL USA
| | - Katlein Franca
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery; Miller School of Medicine; University of Miami; Miami FL USA
| | - Alexandra Fernandez
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery; Miller School of Medicine; University of Miami; Miami FL USA
| | - Keyvan Nouri
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery; Miller School of Medicine; University of Miami; Miami FL USA
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Menz HB, Frescos N, Munteanu SE. Effectiveness of off-the-shelf footwear in reducing foot pain in Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs recipients not eligible for medical grade footwear: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2013; 14:106. [PMID: 23782557 PMCID: PMC3663644 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-14-106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Foot pain is highly prevalent in older people, and in many cases is associated with wearing inadequate footwear. In Australia, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) covers the costs of medical grade footwear for veterans who have severe foot deformity. However, there is a high demand for footwear by veterans with foot pain who do not meet this eligibility criterion. Therefore, this article describes the design of a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of low cost, off-the-shelf footwear in reducing foot pain in DVA recipients who are currently not eligible for medical grade footwear. Methods One hundred and twenty DVA clients with disabling foot pain residing in Melbourne, Australia, who are not eligible for medical grade footwear will be recruited from the DVA database, and will be randomly allocated to an intervention group or a ‘usual care’ control group. The intervention group will continue to receive their usual DVA-subsidized podiatry care in addition to being provided with low-cost, supportive footwear (Dr Comfort®, Vasyli Medical, Labrador, Queensland, Australia). The control group will also continue to receive DVA-subsidized podiatry care, but will not be provided with the footwear until the completion of the study. The primary outcome measure will be pain subscale on the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ), measured at baseline and 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks. Secondary outcome measures measured at baseline and 16 weeks will include the function subscale of the FHSQ, the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index, the number of DVA podiatry treatments required during the study period, general health-related quality of life (using the Short Form 12® Version 2.0), the number of falls experienced during the follow-up period, the Timed Up and Go test, the presence of hyperkeratotic lesions (corns and calluses), the number of participants using co-interventions to relieve foot pain, and participants’ perception of overall treatment effect. Data will be analyzed using the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion This study is the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of off-the-shelf footwear in reducing foot pain in DVA recipients. The intervention has been pragmatically designed to ensure that the study findings can be implemented into policy and clinical practice if found to be effective. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12612000322831
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Affiliation(s)
- Hylton B Menz
- Lower Extremity and Gait Studies Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia.
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Potter LP, Mathias SD, Raut M, Kianifard F, Landsman A, Tavakkol A. The impact of aggressive debridement used as an adjunct therapy with terbinafine on perceptions of patients undergoing treatment for toenail onychomycosis. J DERMATOL TREAT 2009; 18:46-52. [PMID: 17373090 DOI: 10.1080/09546630600965004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether adding aggressive debridement to oral terbinafine for treating toenail onychomycosis impacts patient-reported outcomes (PROs). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 504 patients were randomized to receive 12 weeks of terbinafine 250 mg/day with or without debridement, with an additional 36-week follow-up. The OnyCOE-t, a validated disease-specific PRO questionnaire, was completed at baseline and weeks 6, 12, 24, and 48. It included six multi-item scales (symptom frequency, appearance problems, physical activities problems, stigma, and treatment satisfaction), and one single-item scale: overall problem. Longitudinal analysis of change was conducted to assess treatment effect. Repeated-measures models adjusted for visit, age, sex, baseline scores, severity and duration of infection; treatment interactions were also tested. RESULTS Symptom frequency and treatment satisfaction significantly improved in the terbinafine + debridement group compared with terbinafine alone (p = 0.0395 and p = 0.0077, respectively). Age and sex were often significant explanatory variables, and further analysis of change scores at 12 weeks revealed that females treated with terbinafine + debridement reported significantly less improvement in the physical activities problems (p = 0.0021) and overall problem (p = 0.0112) scores. CONCLUSIONS Aggressive debridement, when used as an adjunct therapy with oral terbinafine, improved treatment satisfaction and reduced symptom frequency. The observed sex differences warrant further investigation.
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Warshaw EM, Foster JK, Cham PMH, Grill JP, Chen SC. NailQoL: a quality-of-life instrument for onychomycosis. Int J Dermatol 2007; 46:1279-86. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2007.03362.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Warshaw EM, Traywick CA, Hoffman AA, Lilly KK, Koshnick RL, Robinson JW, Suwattee P, Foster JK, Chen SC. Naildex: pilot evaluation of an onychodystrophy severity instrument. Mycoses 2007; 51:14-20. [PMID: 18076590 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2007.01444.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A valid and reliable measure that captures onychodystrophy disease severity is important for both clinical and research applications. Three hundred and twenty-two patients at two Veterans Affairs Medical Centers with clinical evidence of onychodystrophy suggesting onychomycosis (at least 25% in a distal subungual pattern) were examined using Naildex parameters. Naildex scores were calculated by a combination of: per cent of each nail infected, area of each nail and number of infected nails. Patients also completed a nail-specific quality of life questionnaire (NailQoL) and nail samples were collected and examined mycologically. Data was analysed for all enrolled patients (n = 322) and patients with mycologically-confirmed onychomycosis (n = 243). Inter-rater reliability was calculated from two examiners who each evaluated 17 patients with mycologically-confirmed onychomycosis. Significant correlations (P < 0.01) between Naildex and NailQoL as well as proxy measures (duration of infection) indicated construct validity of the instrument for all patients as well as mycologically-confirmed cases. Strong correlation (r = 0.754, P < 0.01, n = 17) indicated high inter-rate reliability. This pilot evaluation suggests that Naildex is a valid and reliable measure of onychomycosis severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Warshaw
- Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA.
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Abstract
Onychomycosis is a common disease affecting as much as 8% of the general population. Treatment of onychomycosis is challenging, complicated by low cure rates and relatively high relapse rates. This paper reviews the efficacy of current oral, topical, and surgical treatment options. Currently, the treatment of choice for toenail onychomycosis is oral terbinafine because of its high efficacy, low relapse rates, and cost-effectiveness. Oral itraconazole or fluconazole could be considered for infections caused by Candida. Topical therapies may be a useful adjunct to these systemic therapies, but are less effective when used alone. More research is needed to determine the best measures for preventing reinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin J Finch
- University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Piérard GE, Arrese JE, Piérard-Franchimont C, Quatresooz P. Onychomycosis in older patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.2217/1745509x.2.5.865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Onychomycosis represents the most frequent nail disorder. Its prevalence is influenced by gender, age and several comorbid diseases. Accurate diagnosis relies on laboratory examination, particularly nail histomycology. This method refers to the microscopic examination of histological sections prepared from nail clippings for the purpose of detecting the presence of invading fungi. The pathogens may belong to one or a combination of the groups of dermatophytes, yeasts or nondermatophyte molds. The choice of the diagnostic laboratory method influences the accuracy of the information. Histomycology is recognized to be the most sensitive and specific method. The prevalence of onychomycosis in the elderly population varies according to gender and the nature of the fungal pathogen. Epidemiological figures differ according to the nature of the reference population. In particular, it is of the utmost importance to establish the ratio between the raw numbers of onychomycoses and the total number of individuals in the same age group living in the same geographical area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gérald E Piérard
- Department of Dermatopathology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jorge E Arrese
- Department of Dermatopathology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Pascale Quatresooz
- Department of Dermatopathology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Warshaw EM, Fett DD, Bloomfield HE, Grill JP, Nelson DB, Quintero V, Carver SM, Zielke GR, Lederle FA. Pulse versus continuous terbinafine for onychomycosis: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. J Am Acad Dermatol 2005; 53:578-84. [PMID: 16198776 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2005.04.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2005] [Revised: 04/11/2005] [Accepted: 04/19/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective treatments for onychomycosis are expensive. Previous studies suggest that less costly, pulsed doses of antifungal medications may be as effective as standard, continuous doses. Terbinafine is the current treatment of choice for toenail onychomycosis. OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to determine whether pulse-dose terbinafine is as effective as standard continuous-dose terbinafine for treatment of toenail onychomycosis. METHODS We conducted a double-blind, randomized, noninferiority, clinical intervention trial in the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The main inclusion criteria for participants were a positive dermatophyte culture and at least 25% distal subungual clinical involvement. Six hundred eighteen volunteers were screened; 306 were randomized. Terbinafine, 250 mg daily for 3 months (continuous) or terbinafine, 500 mg daily for 1 week per month for 3 months (pulse) was administered. The primary outcome measure was mycological cure of the target toenail at 18 months. Secondary outcome measures included clinical cure and complete (clinical plus mycological) cure of the target toenail and complete cure of all 10 toenails. RESULTS Results of an intent-to-treat analysis did not meet the prespecified criterion for noninferiority but did demonstrate the superiority of continuous-dose terbinafine for: mycological cure of the target toenail (70.9% [105/148] vs 58.7% [84/143]; P =.03, relative risk [RR] of 1.21 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02-1.43]); clinical cure of the target toenail (44.6% [66/148] vs 29.3% [42/143]; P =.007, RR =1.52 [95% CI, 1.11-2.07); complete cure of the target toenail (40.5% [60/148] vs 28.0% [40/143]; P =.02, RR=1.45 [95% CI, 1.04-2.01); and complete cure of all 10 toenails (25.2% [36/143] vs 14.7% [21/143]; P =.03, RR =1.71 [95% CI, 1.05-2.79). Tolerability of the regimens did not differ significantly between the groups (chi2 =1.63; P =.65). LIMITATIONS The study population primarily consisted of older men with severe onychomycosis. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the superiority of continuous- over pulse-dose terbinafine. We also found this expensive therapy to be much less effective than previously believed, particularly for achieving complete cure of all 10 toenails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Warshaw
- Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
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Firooz A, Khamesipour A, Dowlati Y. Itraconazole pulse therapy improves the quality of life of patients with toenail onychomycosis. J DERMATOL TREAT 2003; 14:95-8. [PMID: 12775316 DOI: 10.1080/09546630310012109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toenail onychomycosis is a common disease that can have serious adverse effects on the quality of life (QOL) of patients. AIM To evaluate the impact of itraconazole pulse therapy on the QOL of patients with toenail onychomycosis. METHODS A total of 20 patients with disto-lateral subungual toenail onychomycosis were treated with itraconazole 200 mg twice daily for 1 week every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. The patients were asked to complete a QOL questionnaire before treatment and on the last follow-up visit (week 48). A score of 0-4 was given according to the five possible responses to each question and these were summed to give the final score of the patient. The mean of the final scores of the patients before and after treatment were compared using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs test. RESULTS At 48 weeks after commencing treatment, 14 patients (70%) responded to treatment (nine patients were cured with almost totally clear toenails and five patients improved), and 16 patients (80%) were mycologically cured (negative KOH smear and culture). The mean of the QOL scores of the patients before treatment was 18.0+/-7.8, which reduced to 13.1+/-11.3 after treatment (two-tailed, p=0.009). CONCLUSION Itraconazole pulse therapy is an effective treatment and can improve the QOL of patients with toenail onychomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Firooz
- Center for Research & Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 79 Taleghani Avenue, Tehran 14166, Iran.
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Rich P, Harkless LB, Atillasoy ES. Dermatophyte test medium culture for evaluating toenail infections in patients with diabetes. Diabetes Care 2003; 26:1480-4. [PMID: 12716808 DOI: 10.2337/diacare.26.5.1480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the performance of the in-office dermatophyte test medium (DTM) culture when used to confirm the diagnosis of onychomycosis in diabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Nail samples from 184 diabetic patients who exhibited symptoms consistent with toenail onychomycosis were screened for dermatophyte fungal infection using DTM, potassium hydroxide evaluation, and central mycology laboratory culture tests. The diabetic patient group investigated in this study is a subset of a heterogeneous set of patients who participated in a nationwide survey designed to investigate the use of fungal culture tests by dermatologists, podiatrists, and primary care physicians described in detail elsewhere. The overall sensitivity of the DTM and central laboratory culture methods was estimated and compared. Sensitivity differences between DTM and central laboratory culture methods were tested for statistical significance using the McNemar statistic. RESULTS DTM culture was positive in 102 of 184 patients (55%), while the central laboratory culture test detected the existence of fungal infection in 78 of 184 (42%). The two tests were in agreement (both positive or both negative) in 114 of 184 patients (62%). Central laboratory culture identified dermatophytes as the pathogen in 91% of positive cases. CONCLUSIONS DTM is a convenient and inexpensive culture test that can be used to confirm dermatophyte infections in diabetic patients with presumed onychomycosis. We found this test to be well suited for use in the primary care setting. Because oral antifungal agents are effective against dermatophyte species, which cause the vast majority of nail infections, diagnosis of onychomycosis requires confirmation of dermatophyte infection only, not identification of genus and species. DTM fulfills this requirement and has a diagnostic yield comparable to central laboratory culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Rich
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97210, USA.
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Abstract
Onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) is common and causes considerable discomfort and pain for many otherwise health patients. However, onychomycosis is especially prevalent in some patient groups seen regularly by community nurses (e.g. the elderly and people with diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or psoriasis). This article discusses the causes and types of onychomycosis, and examines in detail the various treatments available. Both the infection and its treatment can cause several clinical problems including drug interactions, difficulties with differential diagnosis and compromise of clinical outcomes. In particular, onychomycosis can undermine foot care in people with diabetes. The role of community nurses in treating and preventing onychomycosis is discussed.
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Shaw JW, Joish VN, Coons SJ. Onychomycosis: health-related quality of life considerations. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2002; 20:23-36. [PMID: 11817990 DOI: 10.2165/00019053-200220010-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The symptoms of onychomycosis and their impact on personal appearance are important determinants of patients' perceptions of their own health. The effect of onychomycosis is greater on psychosocial than physical functioning and is directly related to the extent of nail involvement. This review identified a number of disease-targeted questionnaires that have been developed to assess the impact of onychomycosis and its treatment on health-related quality of life (HR-QOL). The instruments differ considerably in the extent to which they have been psychometrically tested. Most have been shown to provide both valid and reliable measurement of HR-QOL in patients with onychomycosis of the toes. However, not all have been tested in patients with fingernail disease. The generic and disease-targeted scales of most of the available questionnaires exhibit poor variability, which may limit their responsiveness to clinically important change. Only one instrument, the Onychomycosis Disease-Specific Questionnaire, has been incorporated into a clinical trial. Thus, information relating to the impact of onychomycosis treatment on HR-QOL is limited. Future efforts should focus on the systematic evaluation of existing questionnaires in all populations for which they were developed. In addition, it is important that disease-targeted measures be included in future clinical trials so that a better understanding of the impact of onychomycosis treatment on patient HR-QOL may be gained.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Shaw
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Center for Health Outcomes and PharmacoEconomic Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA.
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Stier DM, Henke C, Schein J, Doyle J, Schonfeld WH, Broering J. Cost of treatment for onychomycosis. Data from a 9-month observational study. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2001; 19:267-279. [PMID: 11303415 DOI: 10.2165/00019053-200119030-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate component and total costs of treatment and to examine differences in cost and cost effectiveness between oral antifungal medication and local therapy for patients with toenail onychomycosis. DESIGN Prospective, observational study of patients with onychomycosis who visited dermatologists and podiatrists in the US. Physicians provided data on clinical management, disease severity, nail improvement and resource utilisation. Patients completed questionnaires on resource utilisation and symptoms at base-line, 4 and 9 months. To estimate costs, reported utilisation was multiplied by unit costs expressed in 1997 US dollars ($US) and derived in 2 ways: first, using Medicare fees; and second, using standard physician fees. RESULTS After adjustment for key demographic and clinical variables, participants receiving oral medication had higher total costs based on standard fees ($US794 vs $US575) and medication costs ($US564 vs $US109), lower procedure costs ($US0 vs $US122) and physician visit costs ($US200 vs $US330), and greater clinical effectiveness as measured by global improvement rating (86 vs 35%) and Toenail Symptom Index (94 vs 49%). For participants receiving oral medication, 90% of total costs were incurred during the first 4 months of follow-up, whereas for those receiving local therapy, costs were more evenly distributed throughout the study period. Incremental cost-effectiveness analysis showed $US304 to $US491 per additional case improved with oral medication over a 9-month timeframe. Extrapolation of these results using 2 time-points (months 4 and 9) suggested that cost equivalence would be reached 17 to 21 months following the initiation of treatment. CONCLUSIONS During 9 months of follow-up in patients with toenail onychomycosis, the use of oral antifungal medication resulted in superior patient outcomes, but at higher total cost compared with local therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Stier
- Eureka Research, San Francisco, California, USA
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Joish VN, Armstrong EP. Which antifungal agent for onychomycosis? A pharmacoeconomic analysis. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2001; 19:983-1002. [PMID: 11735669 DOI: 10.2165/00019053-200119100-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of fungal nail infections is increasing and this is possibly because of several factors: better methods of detection, a growing population of immunocompromised patients who have a greater susceptibility to such infections, the increased use of immunosuppressive drugs, the increasing number of elderly people, worldwide travel, and the use of communal bathing facilities. Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the fingernails and toenails that accounts for about 30% of all superficial fungal infections. It is characterised by nail discoloration, thickening and ultimately destruction of the nail plate. Management of this disease has improved significantly and treatment patterns have dramatically changed in recent years as a result of advances in new treatment options (e.g. oral antifungal agents) and changes in treatment regimens (e.g. pulse therapy). Also, newer drugs for onychomycosis have improved tolerability profiles compared with older agents. The overall costs of treating onychomycosis are substantial, and it has been estimated that direct cost for US Medicare patients with the disease is 43 million US dollars per year (year of costing not available). Pharmacoeconomic studies help in the decision-making process when selecting the most cost-effective antifungal agents to treat onychomycosis. To date there have been a number of national and international economic studies aimed at effectively assessing the efficacy and costs of the treatment options available to cure onychomycosis. The objectives of this paper are to (i) review the published findings regarding the epidemiology of onychomycosis; (ii) summarise the original pharmacoeconomic studies that describe the economic impact of the disease; and (iii) address the impact of the disease on patients' health-related quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- V N Joish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Millikan
- Department of Dermatology, Tulane University Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA.
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