Evening primrose oil is effective in atopic dermatitis: A randomized placebo-controlled trial

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, itchy dermatosis of multifactorial origin, which commonly starts in childhood. Defective metabolism of essential fatty acids leading to relative dominance of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins (PGE 2 and PGF 2 ) has been reported as an important factor in the pathogenesis of AD. Evening primrose oil (EPO) as a source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) has been of interest in the management of AD. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of EPO in atopic dermatitis in our patients. Methods: Consecutive new out-patient department (OPD) patients of a referral hospital in Kolkata clinically diagnosed as having AD were randomly allocated to two groups. To the first group, evening primrose oil was supplied as 500-mg oval clear unmarked capsules, while placebo capsules identical in appearance and containing 300 mg of sunflower oil were given to the other group. Treatment continued for a period of 5 months. With pre-designed scoring system (based on four major parameters: extent, intensity, itching, and dryness), clinical evaluation was done at baseline and subsequent monthly visits. Data of the first 25 patients from each group who completed the 5 months of trial were compiled and analyzed. Results: At the end of the fifth month, 24 (96%) patients of EPO group and 8 (32%) patients of placebo group showed improvement. There was significant difference in outcome of treatment between two groups (P < 0.00001). No significant adverse effect was reported by any patient/guardian at any point of assessment. Conclusion: Evening primrose oil is a safe and effective medicine in management of AD. However, since not all researchers across the world have found the same good result, further large trials on Indian patients are needed

Atopic dermatitis and ABO blood group

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic recurrent genetically determined skin disease affecting all age groups. PURPOSES: To study epidemiological and environmental factors, clinical patterns and the relationship of atopic dermatitis with ABO blood group system. METHODS: In 30 atopic dermatitis patients blood group distribution was compared with the distribution in 1500 relative donors of the blood bank of the same institute. FINDINGS: There were 18 males (60&#x0025;) and 12 females (40&#x0025;). Family and personal history of atopy were observed in 21 (70&#x0025;(and 19 cases (63.3&#x0025;) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Blood group O subjects were significantly less in the study population in comparison to control. LIMITATION: Hospital based study with small sample size; hence the result cannot be generalized

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVITY AND SAFETY OF TOPICAL AMOROLFINE AND CLOTRIMAZOLE IN THE TREATMENT OF TINEA CORPORIS

Background: Tinea corporis is a common superficial dermatophytosis seen in tropical countries. Newer molecules are constantly being introduced for its treatment. Topical clotrimazole is in vogue as the treatment for this condition for a long time. Amorolfine is a comparatively recently introduced drug for topical use in this condition. Aims: To assess the effectivity and safety of amorolfine 0.25% cream in patients with tinea corporis, in comparison to clotrimazole 1% cream. Materials and Methods: Patients presenting with symptoms of tinea corporis were mycologically confirmed for the presence of fungal hyphae. They were randomly divided into two groups: one group received amorolfine and the other received clotrimazole. Treatment duration was for 4 weeks and study duration was for 8 weeks. Evaluation was carried out using the standard clinical parameters on day 1, day 14, day 28 and a follow-up on day 56. Adverse effects were also recorded. Data entry was done in Excel datasheet and analyzed with Epiinfo 2002. Chi-square test and t-test were used according to the type of data. Results: The patients of the two groups were matched at baseline in respect to their demographic profile. Analysis of collected data showed significant improvement in both the groups, suggesting that both the drugs were effective agents in tinea corporis infection. Between-groups comparison of mycological cure rate and clinical improvement showed no significant difference. Conclusion: Amorolfine 0.25% cream is found to be safe and effective, like clotrimazole, when used topically in tinea corporis