Publication:

Therapeutic study of onychomycosis in a tertiary care center

Background Onychomycosis is the fungal infection of nail unit and require long-term treatment to achieve complete cure. This study aims to know the effectiveness of various treatment protocols for onychomycosis.

Methods This randomized uncontrolled open label study was undertaken in a tertiary care hospital. Patients with onychomycosis were included. Patients who received systemic or topical antifungal therapy in last six months were excluded. After obtaining ethical approval they were subjected to KOH mount and culture from nail clippings. Patients were selected randomly with both KOH and culture positive. Patients were divided into 3 groups. Group-A received oral terbinafine, Group-B received oral terbinafine and topical amorolfine, Group-C received oral itraconazole and topical amorolfine for 6 months. The patients were evaluated and assessed for the growth of the nail plate and were inquired for any adverse effects due to the drugs, at 6, 12 and 24 weeks. The results were recorded and detailed statistical analysis was done.

Results During the course of study 9 patients were lost in follow up and were excluded from the analysis of results. Mycological cure with negative KOH microscopy and culture were obtained in 56.6%, 73.3% and 70% in groups A, B and C. Clinical cure was observed in 60%, 76.6%, and 73.3% patients in group A, B and C respectively.

Conclusions There was no statistically significant difference in cure rate among the different treatment groups. Combination therapy achieved better results compared to monotherapy.