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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2006 May;117(5):1702-5.
doi: 10.1542/peds.2005-2450.

Azithromycin does not cure pityriasis rosea

Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Azithromycin does not cure pityriasis rosea

Ahdi Amer et al. Pediatrics. 2006 May.

Abstract

Objectives: 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.

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Comment in

  • Azithromycin for pityriasis.
    Clavier A, Hupert J. Clavier A, et al. Pediatrics. 2006 Nov;118(5):2257; author reply 2257-8. doi: 10.1542/peds.2006-1701. Pediatrics. 2006. PMID: 17079605 No abstract available.

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