Open-Label Observational Study of a Topical Formulation of Calcium Spirulan Contained in a Defined Extract of the Microalga Spirulina platensis in the Treatment of Children with Molluscum Contagiosum
Background. Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common viral skin infection primarily affecting children which is difficult to treat using available therapeutic approaches. The sulfated polysaccharide named calcium spirulan (Ca-SP) has demonstrated antiviral effects against herpes simplex virus in kerat...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Hindawi Limited
2023-01-01
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| Series: | Dermatology Research and Practice |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2023/8871299 |
| _version_ | 1797746019471982592 |
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| author | Karoline Jungclaus Rosa Mascarenhas Oscar Tellechea Jeremias L. K. Reich Kristian Reich |
| author_facet | Karoline Jungclaus Rosa Mascarenhas Oscar Tellechea Jeremias L. K. Reich Kristian Reich |
| author_sort | Karoline Jungclaus |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background. Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common viral skin infection primarily affecting children which is difficult to treat using available therapeutic approaches. The sulfated polysaccharide named calcium spirulan (Ca-SP) has demonstrated antiviral effects against herpes simplex virus in keratinocytes in vitro, and a cream containing 1.5% Ca-SP and 1% of a defined microalgae extract (Spiralin®) effectively prevented herpes labialis in a trial with susceptible individuals. This observational study aimed to show antiviral effects of a similar formulation (Spirularin® VS) against MC in children. Methods. Children with active MC lesions were treated with Spirularin® VS cream twice daily on affected skin over several months and asked to return for follow-up visits after 1 to 3 months. Clinical status of MC infection was documented at baseline and follow-up visits. Results. Of the 31 children enrolled in the study, 26 completed treatment and returned for control visits. Spirularin® VS cream was applied twice daily over a period of 1 to 9 months (mean treatment duration 3.9 months). 19/26 (73.1%) children achieved complete clearance of MC lesions with no clinical evidence of bacterial skin infection during treatment. No irritative skin reactions or unpleasant symptoms were observed or reported. Conclusion. This open-label observational study suggests that a cream formulation containing 1.5% Ca-SP and 1% Spiralin® may be an effective and safe treatment option for children with active MC lesions. The high rate of complete clearance of MC lesions and lack of adverse reactions warrant further investigation in larger, controlled trials. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-12T15:32:08Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-11101540a19c439989ca2bc6099bffdf |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1687-6113 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-12T15:32:08Z |
| publishDate | 2023-01-01 |
| publisher | Hindawi Limited |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Dermatology Research and Practice |
| spelling | doaj.art-11101540a19c439989ca2bc6099bffdf2023-08-10T00:00:01ZengHindawi LimitedDermatology Research and Practice1687-61132023-01-01202310.1155/2023/8871299Open-Label Observational Study of a Topical Formulation of Calcium Spirulan Contained in a Defined Extract of the Microalga Spirulina platensis in the Treatment of Children with Molluscum ContagiosumKaroline Jungclaus0Rosa Mascarenhas1Oscar Tellechea2Jeremias L. K. Reich3Kristian Reich4Center for Translational Research in Inflammatory Skin DiseasesHospital Distrital da Figueira da FozHospital Distrital da Figueira da FozOxford University Clinical Academic Graduate SchoolCenter for Translational Research in Inflammatory Skin DiseasesBackground. Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common viral skin infection primarily affecting children which is difficult to treat using available therapeutic approaches. The sulfated polysaccharide named calcium spirulan (Ca-SP) has demonstrated antiviral effects against herpes simplex virus in keratinocytes in vitro, and a cream containing 1.5% Ca-SP and 1% of a defined microalgae extract (Spiralin®) effectively prevented herpes labialis in a trial with susceptible individuals. This observational study aimed to show antiviral effects of a similar formulation (Spirularin® VS) against MC in children. Methods. Children with active MC lesions were treated with Spirularin® VS cream twice daily on affected skin over several months and asked to return for follow-up visits after 1 to 3 months. Clinical status of MC infection was documented at baseline and follow-up visits. Results. Of the 31 children enrolled in the study, 26 completed treatment and returned for control visits. Spirularin® VS cream was applied twice daily over a period of 1 to 9 months (mean treatment duration 3.9 months). 19/26 (73.1%) children achieved complete clearance of MC lesions with no clinical evidence of bacterial skin infection during treatment. No irritative skin reactions or unpleasant symptoms were observed or reported. Conclusion. This open-label observational study suggests that a cream formulation containing 1.5% Ca-SP and 1% Spiralin® may be an effective and safe treatment option for children with active MC lesions. The high rate of complete clearance of MC lesions and lack of adverse reactions warrant further investigation in larger, controlled trials.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2023/8871299 |
| spellingShingle | Karoline Jungclaus Rosa Mascarenhas Oscar Tellechea Jeremias L. K. Reich Kristian Reich Open-Label Observational Study of a Topical Formulation of Calcium Spirulan Contained in a Defined Extract of the Microalga Spirulina platensis in the Treatment of Children with Molluscum Contagiosum Dermatology Research and Practice |
| title | Open-Label Observational Study of a Topical Formulation of Calcium Spirulan Contained in a Defined Extract of the Microalga Spirulina platensis in the Treatment of Children with Molluscum Contagiosum |
| title_full | Open-Label Observational Study of a Topical Formulation of Calcium Spirulan Contained in a Defined Extract of the Microalga Spirulina platensis in the Treatment of Children with Molluscum Contagiosum |
| title_fullStr | Open-Label Observational Study of a Topical Formulation of Calcium Spirulan Contained in a Defined Extract of the Microalga Spirulina platensis in the Treatment of Children with Molluscum Contagiosum |
| title_full_unstemmed | Open-Label Observational Study of a Topical Formulation of Calcium Spirulan Contained in a Defined Extract of the Microalga Spirulina platensis in the Treatment of Children with Molluscum Contagiosum |
| title_short | Open-Label Observational Study of a Topical Formulation of Calcium Spirulan Contained in a Defined Extract of the Microalga Spirulina platensis in the Treatment of Children with Molluscum Contagiosum |
| title_sort | open label observational study of a topical formulation of calcium spirulan contained in a defined extract of the microalga spirulina platensis in the treatment of children with molluscum contagiosum |
| url | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2023/8871299 |
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