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Background: Onychomycosis is a chronic fungal nail infection caused predominantly by dermatophytes, and less commonly by non-dermatophyte molds (NDMs) and Candida species. Onychomycosis treatment includes oral and topical antifungals, the efficacy of which is evaluated through randomized, double-blinded, controlled trials (RCTs) for USA FDA approval. The primary efficacy measure is complete cure (complete mycological and clinical cure). The secondary measures are clinical cure (usually {less than or equal to}10 % involvement of target nail) and mycological cure (negative microscopy and culture). Some lasers are FDA-approved for the mild temporary increase in clear nail; however, some practitioners attempt to use lasers to treat and cure onychomycosis. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed in July 2020 to evaluate the efficacy rates demonstrated by RCTs of laser monotherapy for dermatophyte onychomycosis of the great toenail. Results: RCTs assessing the efficacy of laser monotherapy for dermatophyte toenail onychomycosis are limited. Many studies measured cure rates via nails instead of patients, and performed only microscopy or culture, not both. Only one included study reported mycological cure rate in patients as negative light microscopy and culture (0%). The combined clinical cure rates in short- and long-pulsed laser studies were (13.0-16.7% and 25.9%, respectively). There was no study that reported the complete cure rate, however, one did report treatment success (mycological cure (negative microscopy and culture) and {less than or equal to}10% clinical involvement) in nails as 16.7%. Conclusions: The effectiveness of lasers as a therapeutic intervention for dermatophyte toenail onychomycosis is limited based on complete, mycological, and clinical cure rates. However, it may be possible to use different treatment parameters or lasers with a different wavelength to increase the efficacy. Lasers could be a potential management option for older patients and onychomycosis patients with coexisting conditions such as diabetes, liver and/or kidney diseases for whom systemic antifungal agents are contraindicated or have failed.
Satisfaction with Onychomycosis Treatment
Pulse versus Continuous Dosing
The purpose of this study, which involved two dermatology clinics and two podiatric medical clinics, was to determine whether a difference exists in patient-reported satisfaction and compliance between continuous terbinafine therapy and pulse-dose itraconazole therapy for the treatment of toenail onychomycosis. Patients in this multicenter, open-label, cross-sectional study had previously completed treatment with either oral terbinafine or oral itraconazole for toenail onychomycosis. Patients were interviewed by telephone to assess clinical outcomes, compliance, and satisfaction with treatment; clinical data were collected by medical chart review. Patients reported significantly greater ease and convenience of treatment and higher overall satisfaction with continuous terbinafine therapy compared with pulse-dose itraconazole therapy. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(5): 373-379, 2003)
Topical Treatments for Onychomycosis
A Historical Perspective
Topical treatment of onychomycosis, in contrast to systemic oral therapy, allows the patient to apply medication directly to the affected area, thereby decreasing the potential for adverse events and drug interactions. Historically, several topical antifungal agents have been used in the treatment of onychomycosis; however, the evidence for their effectiveness is based on very limited data or anecdotal reports. Recently, the development of new, effective topical agents has renewed interest in this form of therapy. As clinical experience with newer topical agents expands, they may be found to be an effective option for the treatment of onychomycosis. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(2): 136-141, 2003)
Mechanical Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis
A Prospective Study
A randomized, prospective study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of three individual mechanical modalities in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Two hundred fifty-five subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: custom-made orthoses, over-the-counter arch supports, or tension night splints. Subjects were treated for 3 months, with follow-up visits at 2, 6, and 12 weeks. No statistically significant difference was noted among treatment groups with respect to final outcomes based on first-step pain or pain felt during the day. However, there was a statistically significant difference among the three groups with respect to early patient withdrawal from the study due to continued severe pain, noncompliance, or inability to tolerate the device. Patient compliance was greatest with the use of custom-made orthoses. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 91(2): 55-62, 2001)
Evaluating Costs for Onychomycosis Treatments
A Practitioner’s Perspective
Onychomycosis is a common problem. The desired outcome of treatment for patients and clinicians is complete cure (negative culture and negative potassium hydroxide examination results plus a completely normal nail). This cost analysis sought to determine the cost-effectiveness of treatments for onychomycosis using complete cure as a unit of effectiveness. A simplified cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted using complete cure rates from randomized, blinded clinical trials involving at least 50 participants. Trials were identified by searching the literature, manually searching for review articles, and reviewing medication package inserts. For each trial that met the entry criteria, three levels of cost were used to calculate medication cost per complete cure: commercial price, average wholesale price, and Veterans Affairs pharmacy price. In addition, a computerized economic model was used to determine total cost per complete cure, including all medical costs. The most cost-effective treatments were those that involved terbinafine: pulse, continuous, or in combination with other agents. Itraconazole, griseofulvin, and fluconazole were less cost-effective. Ciclopirox nail lacquer was at least three times more expensive than all other agents when evaluating total costs per complete cure. Overall, the lowest cost per complete cure resulted from terbinafine treatment, with most evidence supporting 3 months of continuous therapy. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 96(1): 38–52, 2006)
Treatment for Simple Plantar Verrucae
Monochloroacetic Acid and 10% Formaldehyde versus 10% Formaldehyde Alone
Verrucae are small, benign, highly vascular epithelial neoplasms that occur singly or in a multiple presentation. Plantar verrucae are usually caused by infection with human papillomavirus types 1, 2, and 4. A clinical trial was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of monochloroacetic acid and 10% formaldehyde versus 10% formaldehyde alone in the treatment of simple plantar verrucae. Of 57 patients enrolled in the study, 26 were in the monochloroacetic acid and 10% formaldehyde group and 31 were in the 10% formaldehyde alone group. The overall cure rate for this population was 61.4%. There was no statistically significant difference in the cure rate between treatment groups. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 96(1): 53–58, 2006)
Surgical Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy
Outcomes from 100 Consecutive Decompressions
Since 1992 it has been reported that patients with diabetes mellitus recover sensibility and obtain relief of pain from neuropathy symptoms by decompression of lower-extremity peripheral nerves. None of these reports included a series with more than 36 diabetic patients with lower-extremity nerves decompressed, and only recently has a single report appeared of the results of this approach in patients with nondiabetic neuropathy. No previous report has described a change in balance related to restoration of sensibility. A prospective study was conducted of 100 consecutive patients (60 with diabetes and 40 with idiopathic neuropathy) operated on by a single surgeon, other than the originator of this approach, and with the postoperative results reviewed by someone other than these two surgeons. Each patient had neurolysis of the peroneal nerve at the knee and the dorsum of the foot, and the tibial nerve released in the four medial ankle tunnels. After at least 1 year of follow-up, 87% of patients with preoperative numbness reported improved sensation, 92% with preoperative balance problems reported improved balance, and 86% whose pain level was 5 or greater on a visual analog scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (the most severe pain) before surgery reported an improvement in pain. Decompression of compressed lower-extremity nerves improves sensation and decreases pain, and should be recommended for patients with neuropathy who have failed to improve with traditional medical treatment. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 95(5): 451–454, 2005)
Charcot’s arthropathy is a devastating condition affecting diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy, resulting in a foot at risk for ulceration and amputation. Early diagnosis is important for the institution of appropriate treatment, which may help prevent disease progression and foot deformity. This article discusses the pathogenesis and treatment options available for the disorder. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 92(7): 381-383, 2002)
Onychocryptosis is a pathologic condition of the nail apparatus in which the toenail damages the nail fold. It is a common condition provoking pain, inflammation, and functional limitation. It principally occurs in the hallux. Onychocryptosis is one of the most frequent complaints regarding the foot and accounts for many clinical consultations. The disorder has been classified in terms of the stages of the pathologic condition. In our practice, we discovered a clinical entity that was not previously classified in the literature. We classify onychocryptosis into stages I, IIa, IIb, III, and the new stage IV. A treatment plan is offered for each stage of this classification, with both general and specific indications given. In onychocryptosis treatment, it is important to select the surgical technique best suited to the patient’s particular clinical situation. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 97(5): 389–393, 2007)
New drugs and tissue replacements are currently being approved and integrated into treatment regimens for chronic wounds. This article focuses on a standardized procedure for the use of specific growth factor, a recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor (rhPDGF-BB) manufactured for topical administration. The recommendations made in this article may not reflect product recommendations made by the manufacturer of the drug. Clinicians must be able to support any off-label indication for use of a product. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 92(1): 7-11, 2002)
