Hypochlorous acid regulates neutrophil extracellular trap release in humans

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) comprise extracellular chromatin and granule protein complexes that immobilize and kill bacteria. NET release represents a recently discovered, novel anti-microbial strategy regulated non-exclusively by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase generation of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs), particularly hydrogen peroxide. This study aimed to characterize the role of ROIs in the process of NET release and to identify the dominant ROI trigger. We employed various enzymes, inhibitors and ROIs to record their effect fluorometrically on in vitro NET release by human peripheral blood neutrophils. Treatment with exogenous superoxide dismutase (SOD) supported the established link between hydrogen peroxide and NET production. However, treatment with myeloperoxidase inhibitors and direct addition of hypochlorous acid (HOCl; generated in situ from sodium hypochlorite) established that HOCl was a necessary and sufficient ROI for NET release. This was confirmed by the ability of HOCl to stimulate NET release in chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) patient neutrophils which, due to the lack of a functional NADPH oxidase, also lack the capacity for NET release in response to classical stimuli. Moreover, the exogenous addition of taurine, abundantly present within the neutrophil cytosol, abrogated NET production stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and HOCl, providing a novel mode of cytoprotection by taurine against oxidative stress by taurine.

Topical tacrolimus and pimecrolimus: future directions

Topical tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream represent the first members of a new class of medications. Topical immunomodulators have been developed for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Their superb safety profiles and excellent efficacy as anti-inflammatory agents make them attractive candidates to treat a host of other skin disorders. This article reviews published experiences that use them for psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, lichen planus, pyoderma gangrenosum and other diseases. Possible modifications to these compounds and novel untested applications are discussed.

Tacrolimus ointment for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in adult patients: part I, efficacy

A total of 632 adults with atopic dermatitis applied tacrolimus ointment (0.03% or 0.1%) or vehicle twice daily for up to 12 weeks in two randomized, double-blind studies. This report focuses on the efficacy of tacrolimus ointment in these studies. The mean percent body surface area (%BSA) affected at baseline was 45%, and 56% of patients had severe atopic dermatitis. Evaluations included a physician's global evaluation of clinical response, %BSA affected, individual signs of atopic dermatitis, the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score, and the patient's assessment of pruritus. A 90% or greater improvement from baseline in disease status was observed for 6.6%, 27.5%, and 36.8% of patients in the vehicle, 0.03% tacrolimus ointment, and 0.1% tacrolimus ointment groups, respectively (P<.001), and 50% or better improvement was observed for 19.8%, 61.6%, and 72.7% of patients, respectively. Tacrolimus ointment-treated patients showed significantly greater improvement than vehicle-treated patients for all efficacy parameters evaluated, including the %BSA affected, the total score and individual scores for signs of atopic dermatitis, the patient's assessment of pruritus, and EASI score. The 0.1% concentration was more effective than the 0.03% concentration, particularly in patients with severe disease and/or extensive BSA involvement at baseline and in African Americans. Tacrolimus ointment is an effective therapy for the treatment of adult patients with atopic dermatitis on all skin regions including the head and neck.

Acitretin: optimal dosing strategies

Acitretin is an oral synthetic retinoid effective in the treatment of psoriasis. As monotherapy, acitretin has been shown to be most effective in treating pustular and erythrodermic types of the disease. Monotherapy with acitretin for plaque-type psoriasis is often less successful; however, its use in combination with other therapies is highly effective in treating this form of the disease. Dose-response studies have established the effective dose range of acitretin as well as the dose-dependence of its side effects. Because both efficacy and side effects can vary substantially among individual patients, proper dosing of acitretin requires a balance between optimizing response and minimizing toxicity for each patient. Optimal dosing for individual patients may be achieved through a dose-escalation strategy involving initiation of therapy at low doses (10 to 25 mg/day) and, if necessary, gradually increasing the dose as tolerated until optimal response is achieved.

Tazarotene 0.1% gel plus corticosteroid cream in the treatment of plaque psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Topical corticosteroids are often used in the treatment of psoriasis, but long-term use may be associated with serious adverse events such as tachyphylaxis or atrophy of the skin. Tazarotene, a new topical retinoid, has demonstrated significant clinical benefits but can cause mild to moderate local irritation.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluate whether a combination treatment of topical tazarotene and a topical corticosteroid would increase efficacy while reducing the incidence of local adverse events associated with a topical retinoid.

METHODS

Three hundred patients enrolled in an investigator-masked study were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups: tazarotene 0.1% gel in combination with placebo cream, or with a low-, mid-, or high-potency corticosteroid cream, for 12 weeks of treatment and a posttreatment follow-up at week 16.

RESULTS

Tazarotene 0.1% gel in combination with a mid- or high-potency corticosteroid, when compared with tazarotene plus placebo cream, achieved significantly greater reductions in scaling, erythema, and overall lesional severity, and a decreased incidence of adverse events.

CONCLUSION

All tazarotene combinations (including tazarotene plus placebo) were highly effective in rapidly reducing the severity of psoriasis. Combining tazarotene with a topical corticosteroid increased efficacy while reducing the incidence of local adverse events.

Once-weekly fluconazole (450 mg) for 4, 6, or 9 months of treatment for distal subungual onychomycosis of the toenail

BACKGROUND

Fluconazole is a bis-triazole antifungal agent approved for the treatment of oropharyngeal, esophageal, and vaginal candidiasis, serious systemic candidal infections, and cryptococcal meningitis.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate three different durations of once-weekly fluconazole for the treatment of onychomycosis of the toenail caused by dermatophytes.

METHODS

In a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled trial, 384 patients with distal subungual onychomycosis of the toenail received fluconazole, 450 mg once weekly, or placebo for 4, 6, or 9 months. For inclusion, patients were required to have mycologically confirmed distal subungual onychomycosis of the toenail with a large toenail at least 25% clinically affected but having at least 2 mm of healthy nail between the nail fold and the proximal onychomycotic border. Efficacy was assessed by clinical and mycologic (microscopic and microbiologic) measures at screening, at every treatment visit starting at month 3, and at months 2, 4, and 6 after therapy. Observed or volunteered adverse events were recorded and classified at all visits.

RESULTS

At the end of treatment, very significantly superior clinical and mycologic results were achieved in all fluconazole groups compared with placebo (p=0.0001). This superiority was largely maintained over 6 months of follow-up. The clinical and mycologic responses of the 9-month treatment duration were significantly superior to the 4- and 6-month durations. Similar percentages of patients in the fluconazole and placebo groups reported adverse experiences for all three durations of the study.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study support the efficacy and safety of fluconazole in the treatment of distal subungual onychomycosis of the toenail.

Pharmacokinetics of three once-weekly dosages of fluconazole (150, 300, or 450 mg) in distal subungual onychomycosis of the fingernail

BACKGROUND

Fluconazole has proven to be safe and effective for a variety of superficial and systemic fungal infections. Preliminary analysis of extensive Phase III studies suggests that it is very effective for the treatment of onychomycosis. Its pharmacokinetic properties, including low molecular weight and high water-solubility, suggest a unique ability to penetrate the nail. This feature is likely to account in part for fluconazole's effectiveness in the treatment of onychomycosis.

OBJECTIVE

Determinations of plasma and fingernail concentrations of fluconazole were performed as part of a larger study comparing the safety and efficacy of once-weekly fluconazole (150, 300, and 450 mg) to placebo in the treatment of distal subungual onychomycosis of the fingernails caused by dermatophytes. The relationship between fluconazole concentrations and efficacy was also examined.

METHODS

Pharmacokinetic studies were performed by means of plasma and fingernail samples from 133 patients, a subset of 349 patients participating in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of fluconazole administered in once-weekly doses of 150, 300, or 450 mg until cure of onychomycosis or for a maximum of 9 months. Blood and fingernail samples for pharmacokinetic analysis were taken at baseline, at week 2, and at monthly intervals during the treatment phase of the study. Patients considered clinically cured or improved also participated in a 6-month follow-up study. During this phase, patients were monitored and samples taken every 2 months.

RESULTS

Significant amounts of fluconazole were detected in the earliest fingernail samples taken (after 2 weeks of treatment). After two weekly doses, 30% to 33% of steady-state concentrations had been achieved in healthy nails and 22% to 29% in affected nails. Steady state was achieved in 3 to 5 months. Fluconazole concentration in nails as well as plasma followed dose-proportional pharmacokinetics. Nail:plasma ratios in affected nails were 0.4 to 0.6 at 2 weeks and 1.7 to 1.8 at 6 months. Fluconazole concentrations fell slowly after drug discontinuation and were still detectable 4 months after end of treatment. A statistically significant correlation was found between steady-state concentration and clinical and global outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Fluconazole rapidly penetrates the fingernail, where it is retained at detectable levels for at least 4 months after drug discontinuation. A significant correlation exists between fluconazole concentration in the fingernails and clinical and global outcomes.

Once-weekly fluconazole (150, 300, or 450 mg) in the treatment of distal subungual onychomycosis of the fingernail

BACKGROUND

Onychomycosis is a prevalent infection of the nail caused primarily by dermatophytes. Fluconazole is active in vitro against the most common pathogens, penetrates into the nail bed, and is clinically effective in the treatment of a wide variety of fungal infections.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of oral fluconazole 150, 300, and 450 mg administered once weekly compared with placebo in the treatment of distal subungual onychomycosis of the fingernail caused by dermatophytes.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolling 349 patients with onychomycosis of the fingernails. Clinical and mycologic efficacy as well as measures of safety were assessed monthly for a maximum of 9 months of treatment, with additional safety visits occurring at weeks 2 and 6. For inclusion, patients were required to have clinically and mycologically documented onychomycosis of the fingernail caused by dermatophytes with at least 25% involvement of the target fingernail. After end of therapy, patients with improved or cured fingernails entered a blinded 6-month follow-up without drug treatment during which efficacy was assessed every 2 months. Efficacy was assessed by clinical (visual) and mycologic (microscopic and culture) measures. Clinical measures included assessments of the percentage of target nail involvement, measurement of the distance from the nail fold to the proximal onychomycotic border, and signs and symptoms of onychomycosis.

RESULTS

Fluconazole was significantly superior to placebo in eradicating clinical and mycologic symptoms of onychomycosis, both at the end of active treatment and at 6 months after treatment (p=0.0001 for all efficacy measures). At the end of therapy, 91% to 100% of patients in the fluconazole groups were judged clinical successes, defined as reduction of the affected area of the target nail to less than 25% or cure, compared with 8% for placebo. Clinical cure rates at end of therapy were 76%, 85%, and 90% for fluconazole 150, 300, and 450 mg, respectively, compared with 3% for placebo. These clinical success and cure rates were largely maintained or improved during follow-up. Clinical relapse in cured patients during the follow-up period was very low (1.5% to 3.3%). Fluconazole demonstrated mycologic eradication rates of 89% to 100% at the end of treatment and 90% to 99% at the end of follow-up; for placebo the rates were 8% and 12%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Fluconazole administered once weekly is safe and effective in eradicating distal subungual onychomycosis of the fingernail caused by dermatophytes.

Extemporaneous compounding. The end of the road?

Extemporaneous compounding has long been a part of dermatology. It has served to produce niche therapies that otherwise would have been poorly treated with available drugs. Increasingly however, the unpredictable nature of compounded medications, both in effectiveness, as well as safety and stability of such products, has diminished the use of this approach. The increasing availability of new pharmaceutical drugs that fill these niches more effectively, coupled with economic and legal concerns over the practice of compounding make it a tradition with an increasingly limited role in dermatology today. It is safe to predict that in the near future, compounding will virtually disappear from dermatology, as it already has from virtually all other medical specialties.