Oral potassium iodide for the treatment of sporotrichosis

Xue et al., 2009 | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review

Citation

Xue Siliang, Gu Rui, ... Wang Xiaoshan. Oral potassium iodide for the treatment of sporotrichosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009-Oct-07;2009(4):CD006136. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006136.pub2

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sporotrichosis is a subacute or chronic disease, usually affecting the skin caused by a dimorphic (existing in two forms), aerobic (oxygen requiring) fungus called Sporothrix schenckii. Oral potassium iodide is widely used for cutaneous sporotrichosis in clinical medicine with more and more reports published. However, the benefits and adverse reactions of these treatments have not yet been systematically reviewed. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of oral potassium iodide for the treatment of sporotrichosis. SEARCH STRATEGY: In July 2009 we searched the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Skin Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library (Issue 3, 2009), MEDLINE and EMBASE, The Chinese Biomedical Database, CNKI, VIP, and ongoing trials registers. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials comparing orally administered iodide with placebo, or with another treatment. Studies about potassium iodide as an adjunct were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors planned to independently assess trial quality and extract data. We also planned to collect adverse effects information from the trials where possible. MAIN RESULTS: In the absence of any suitable randomised placebo-controlled trials or comparisons with other treatments in this area, we were unable to assess the effects of oral potassium iodide. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The currently available evidence is insufficient to assess the potential for oral potassium iodide in the treatment of sporotrichosis.There is no high-quality evidence for or against oral potassium iodide as a treatment for sporotrichosis. Further randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trials are needed to define the efficacy and acceptability of these interventions.

Key Findings

In the absence of any suitable randomised placebo-controlled trials or comparisons with other treatments in this area, we were unable to assess the effects of oral potassium iodide. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The currently available evidence is insufficient to assess the potential for oral potassium iodide in the treatment of sporotrichosis.There is no high-quality evidence for or against oral potassium iodide as a treatment for sporotrichosis. Further randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Humans
  • Potassium Iodide
  • Sporotrichosis

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: potassium

Provenance


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