Oxatomide in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in breast-fed and very young infants.

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of oxatomide oral suspension, in breast-fed and young babies with atopic dermatitis.

METHODS

Thirty-one children (11 females, 20 males) aged between 4 and 35 months (mean+/- SD 15.4+/-7.6 months) were treated with oxatomide (2.5 mg/mL) at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day) split into two doses, every 12 hrs; treatment lasted 30 days. Efficacy was evaluated on the basis of the following signs and symptoms: itching (severity, extension and duration), blisters (number, extension), erythema (severity, extension), papules (number, extension), lesions from scratching (yes/no), dry skin (yes/no).

RESULTS

Skin signs improved significantly with oxatomide. Itching was reduced 58.2% from baseline, and erythema 57.6% (both p<0.001). Vesicles, papules, lesions due to scratching and dry skin also improved significantly. Oxatomide had to be stopped only in one child in whom the dermatitis became worse.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show the efficacy and safety of oxatomide in breast-fed or very young babies with atopic dermatitis. The oral suspension was particularly easy to use in children less than two years old, on account of the simple dosage schedule.