38
Views
49
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original article

Treatment of chromoblastomycosis with terbinafine: Experience with four cases

, , , &
Pages 47-51 | Received 21 May 2004, Accepted 14 Sep 2004, Published online: 12 Jul 2009
 

Abstract

Background: Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic subcutaneous mycosis that occurs more frequently in tropical and subtropical areas and is caused by a group of dematiaceous fungi. It is a difficult‐to‐treat mycosis with low cure rates and a high rate of relapses.

Objective: The objective of this trial is to prove the efficacy and tolerance of oral terbinafine in four cases of chromoblastomycosis.

Methods and results: We included four cases of chromoblastomycosis, proved clinically and mycologically, that are presented herein; three of them caused by Fonsecaea pedrosoi and one by Phialophora verrucosa. Two had a small extension and the other two were of medium and large extension. Oral terbinafine was administered at a dose of 500 mg/day, which was reduced to half in two of the cases once an 80% improvement had been reached; in the third case the initial dose was maintained, and in the fourth case the dose was increased to 750 mg/day. Three cases reached clinical and mycological cure in a mean treatment period of 7 months, the fourth case reached a significant improvement only after 1.2 years of treatment. The medication was well tolerated; no liver alterations occurred; only one patient suffered mild dyspepsia.

Conclusion: Terbinafine at 500 mg/day doses represents one of the best treatments for chromoblastomycosis due to its efficacy and excellent tolerability.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.