Q4 · MEDICINE
Article
Author: Picot, S. ; Bienvenu, A.L. ; Lahfa, M. ; Voisard, J.J. ; Turki, H. ; Cazeau, C. ; Zourabichvili, O. ; Doss, N. ; Bulai-Livideanu, C. ; Mokthar, I. ; Fazaa, B. ; Paul, C. ; Ben Osman, A. ; Coustou, D. ; Coubetergues, H. ; Nouira, R.
<b><i>Background:</i></b> The efficacy of topical antifungals is controversial. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> To compare the efficacy and safety of a sequential (SEQ) treatment with chemical nail avulsion and topical antifungals to amorolfine nail lacquer in dermatophytic onychomycosis. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This was a randomized, parallel-group, controlled study comparing a 36-week SEQ treatment with chemical nail avulsion with RV4104A ointment (class I medical device containing 40% urea) followed by ciclopirox cream for 8 weeks and ciclopirox nail lacquer for 25 weeks (SEQ group) to amorolfine nail lacquer for 36 weeks (AMO group). Patients had to have a big toenail onychomycosis, sparing the matrix. The primary efficacy criterion was complete cure at week 48. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 142 patients were randomized. The complete cure rate at week 48 was significantly higher in the SEQ group than in the AMO group (36.6 vs. 12.7%, p = 0.001). Clinical cure at week 48 was observed in 53.5% of patients in the SEQ group versus 17% in the AMO group (p < 0.01). The cost of cure per patient was 50% lower with SEQ treatment (EUR 33) compared with amorolfine (EUR 76). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> A treatment of onychomycosis comprising chemical avulsion of the pathological nail, ciclopirox cream and nail lacquer is significantly more effective than amorolfine nail lacquer.