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Azithromycin does not cure pityriasis rosea.

AbstractOBJECTIVES:
Pityriasis rosea (PR) is a common skin disorder in children. Its cause is unknown. A recent publication reported a 73% cure rate in patients with PR after treatment with erythromycin. To duplicate this result using a drug with fewer adverse effects and greater biological half-life, we set out to study the effect of azithromycin on PR. Azithromycin is an azalide antibiotic with a spectrum of antimicrobial activity very similar to that of erythromycin.
DESIGN:
We randomly assigned 49 children with PR to receive either azithromycin (12 mg/kg per day, up to a maximum of 500 mg/day) for 5 days or a similar-appearing placebo. Study physicians were blinded to patients' treatment type. Two pediatricians had to agree on the diagnosis of PR before patients could be enrolled. Subjects were seen at follow-up visits 1, 2, and 4 weeks after starting treatment.
OUTCOME MEASURES:
We measured the appearance of new lesions and resolution of lesions.
RESULTS:
Rates of cure and of partial resolution were similar in the azithromycin and placebo groups.
CONCLUSION:
Azithromycin does not cure PR.
AuthorsAhdi Amer, Howard Fischer
JournalPediatrics (Pediatrics) Vol. 117 Issue 5 Pg. 1702-5 (May 2006) ISSN: 1098-4275 [Electronic] United States
PMID16651327 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
Chemical References
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Erythromycin
  • Azithromycin
Topics
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
  • Azithromycin (therapeutic use)
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Erythromycin (therapeutic use)
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pityriasis Rosea (drug therapy)

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