Meta-analysis: Griseofulvin Efficacy in the Treatment of Tinea Capitis

April 2008 | Volume 7 | Issue 4 | Original Article | 369 | Copyright © April 2008


Aditya K. Gupta MD PhD FRCP(C), Elizabeth A. Cooper HBSc BESc, Jenna E. Bowen MSc

Abstract
Despite its long history in clinical use, reported efficacy rates of griseofulvin remain highly variable. A meta-analysis of clinical trials of griseofulvin use in tinea capitis was performed to determine mean griseofulvin efficacy. A review of the literature identified 7 studies. When all 7 studies were pooled, the overall mean effective cure (negative KOH and culture) of griseofulvin at 4 to 6 weeks posttreatment was 73.4%±7% (7 studies, n=438 patients). Higher efficacy rates appeared to be reported with the use of higher dosages of griseofulvin (>18 mg/kg/d). When broken down by species, the mean efficacy for Trichophyton and Microsporum were 67.6%±9% (5 studies, n=396) and 88.1%±5% (2 studies, n=42 patients), respectively. Based on these studies, griseofulvin efficacy has remained consistently high over the past decade. Both genera showed good efficacy with griseofulvin therapy given from 6 to 8 weeks. Griseofulvin remains an effective therapy for tinea capitis.