Originaltexte aus dem Archiv der Universität Erlangen
[Treatment of atopic dermatitis with borage seed oil (Glandol)--a time series analytic study] Bahmer-FA; Schafer-J Kinderarztl-Prax.1992 Oct; 60(7): 199-202.
The therapy of atopic dermatitis with highly unsaturated fatty
acids has witnessed a renaissance in the last years. Therefore, a
study was conducted with borage oil (Glandol), rich in
highly unsaturated, so-called omega fatty acids, against
palm seed oil as placebo in a total of 12 patients. Evaluation of
the severity of the skin changes was done by means of the ADASI
(Atopic Dermatitis Area and Severity Index)-score system
described by us recently. The ADASI-scores, forming a time
series, were analyzed by trend analysis methods. These methods
allow an evaluation of the effectiveness of the therapy in each
case. The analysis revealed that five out of seven patients
treated with borage oil showed a favourable effect with
regard to the skin changes assessed by the ADASI-score. In
contrast, only one out of the five patients treated with placebo
showed a significant improvement in skin changes. In view of the
positive effect ob borage oil in patients with atopic dermatitis,
a trial therapy for a certain period seems justified. Our study
demonstrates both the value of our ADASI-scoring system as well
as the advantages that time series or trend analysis methods
might have for the evaluation of therapeutic effects in chronic
skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis.
The efficacy and safety of gamma-linolenic acid in the treatment of infantile atopic dermatitis. Fiocchi-A; Sala-M; Signoroni-P; Banderali-G; Agostoni-C; Riva-E J-Int-Med-Res.1994 Jan-Feb; 22(1): 24-32.
The efficacy and safety of gamma-linolenic acid in the
treatment of atopic dermatitis was evaluated. The children (mean
age, 11.4 months) with atopic dermatitis (mean duration, 8.56
months) were openly treated with 3 g/day gamma-linolenic acid,
for 28 days.
Clinical evaluations were carried out every 7 days, and parents
were asked to keep a diary, recording details of symptoms of
eczema every day. Blood chemistry and immunological tests were
done before and after treatment. None of the children showed
complete recovery of symptoms. A gradual improvement in erythema,
excoriations and lichenification was seen; significant
differences were shown for itching (P < 0.01), and the use
of antihistamines (P < 0.01). A significant rise in the
percentage of circulating CD8 was found. No side-effects
were recorded. Dietetic and pharmacological approaches are the
basis of the treatment of atopic dermatitis and gamma-linolenic
acid appears to be a safe and efficient additional therapy
for infants and young children.
Epogam evening primrose oil treatment in atopic dermatitis and asthma. Hederos-CA; Berg-A Arch-Dis-Child.1996 Dec; 75(6): 494-7.
Essential fatty acids are claimed to have positive effects in
atopic diseases. In a doubleblind, placebo controlled, parallel
group study 58 out of 60 children, with atopicdermatitis and the
need for regular treatment with topical skin steroids, completed
a 16 weeks' treatment period with either Epogam evening primrose
oil or placebo capsules.
Twenty two of these subjects also had asthma. The parents used
diaries to record symptom scores and concomitant medication. Peak
expiratory flow was measured and disease activity was monitored
by the clinician every four weeks. The plasma concentrations of
essential fatty acids increased significantly in the group
treated with Epogam capsules. The study demonstrated significant
improvements of the eczema symptoms but no significant
difference was found between the placebo and the Epogam groups.
No therapeutic effect was shown on asthma symptoms or fidget.
Treatment of atopic eczema with evening primrose oil: rationale and clinical results.
Kerscher-MJ; Korting-HC Clin-Investig.1992 Feb; 70(2): 167-71.
Recently a defect in the function of the enzyme
delta-6-desaturase has been discussed as a major factor in the
development of atopic eczema. Delta-6-desaturase is responsible
for the conversion of linoleic acid to gamma linolenic acid.
Several plants, including evening primrose, are known to be
fairly rich in gamma linolenic acid. Hence, substitution of gamma
linolenic acid in patients prone to developing atopic eczema
seems like a feasible concept. During the last few years
different clinical trials have been performed. Controlled trials
following a parallel study design showed marked improvement in
atopic eczema. Patients treated with the drug showed less
inflammation, dryness, scaling and overall severity compared
to controls.
Although these findings have been supported by meta-analysis,
there is still conflicting evidence in trials based on a
crossover design alone, demonstrating a decrease in itching. At
present, evening primrose oil in doses used for the
treatment of atopic eczema is considered safe. However, still
more trials addressing both efficacy and safety are needed to
make a final decision.