FLUCONAZOLE VERSUS KETOCONAZOLE IN THE TREATMENT OF OROPHARYNGEAL CANDIDIASIS IN HIV-INFECTED CHILDREN

In an open multicentre study the efficacy and safety of fluconazole ve rsus ketoconazole were evaluated in the treatment of 46 pediatric pati ents with oropharyngeal candidiasis and AIDS or HIV infection. Twenty- four subjects received oral fluconazole in a dosage of 3 mg/kg/day and 22 subjects received oral ketoconazole in a dosage of 7 mg/kg/day. Th e treatment duration ranged from 5 to 49 days. Results showed that flu conazole and ketoconazole have comparable efficacy and safety in the t reatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis in HIV-infected children. Patien ts treated with fluconazole had higher clinical and mycological cure r ates at the end of therapy (88 % and 71 % respectively) than those tre ated with ketoconazole (81 % and 57 % respectively). One case of drug- related side effects (diarrhea and abdominal pain) in a patient receiv ing ketoconazole resulted in discontinuation of treatment. Follow-up e xaminations 2 and 4 weeks post-treatment showed a comparably high rate of relapse in both patient groups.