trimethoprim--sulfamethoxazole-drug-combination and Histiocytosis--Langerhans-Cell

Nail changes in Langerhans cell histiocytosis are distinctly uncommon. Paronychial erythema, swelling and subungual pustules of the fingernails and toenails were cardinal, and were supported by diffuse as well as dense collections of mononuclear Langerhans cells evidenced by microscopic investigation. Oral administration of co-trimoxazole (800 mg sulphamethoxazole + 160 mg trimethoprim) every 12 h, 50 mg/d cyclophosphamide and 80 mg/d predinisolone were the mainstay of treatment, supported by scalp tar shampoo and local betamethasone lotion application.

Topics: Adult; Betamethasone; Cyclophosphamide; Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell; Humans; Male; Nails; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Twenty-three children with Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH) have been treated with trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (T-S) in a 4-year period. The children are classified in two main groups according to the extent of their disease. Group A includes 16 children with single system disease and group B, seven children with multisystem disease. All patients were treated for 4 weeks to 3 months. The results of treatment are evaluated in terms of response in individual organs involved. All children with single system disease had a good response to the drug. Children with multisystem disease had a good response to some organs but a poorer outcome for the lungs and for the blood. These patients did not respond even to conventional chemotherapy.

Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell; Humans; Infant; Male; Parotid Gland; Radiography; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination