[Efficacy and safety of ribavirin aerosol in children with hand-foot-mouth
disease]. [Article in Chinese]
Author(s): Zhang HP(1), Wang L, Qian JH, Cai K, Chen YH, Zhang QL, Yu HJ.
Affiliation(s): Author information:
(1)Department of Pediatrics, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong
University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China. qianjh668@126.com.
Publication date & source: 2014, Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi. , 16(3):272-6
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ribavirin aerosol in children
with hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD).
METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed. A
total of 119 children with mild HFMD were randomly divided into an observed group
(n=59) and a control group (n=60). In the observed group, ribavirin aerosol was
given four times within the first hour, followed by once every other hour for the
remaining time of the day and day 2; from days 3 to 7, it was given 4 times per
day, with 2-3 sprays every time, for 7 days. In the control group, placebo was
given in the same way as in the observed group. Additionally, both groups used
oral antiviral liquid. The scores of clinical symptoms including oral ulcer, skin
rash, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and fever before and after
treatment were recorded to evaluate treatment outcomes. Throat swabs were taken
before treatment and 5-7 days after treatment to measure viral load by RT-PCR and
to compare the negative conversion rate between the two groups.
RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients in the observed group and 56 patients in the
control group were tested according to the original research design. After 5-7
days of treatment, the observed group had a significantly higher overall negative
conversion rate of enterovirus than the control group (P<0.01). The overall
marked response rate and overall response rate of the observed group were 89% and
89%, respectively, significantly higher than those of the control group (29% and
43%). During treatment, there were no adverse reactions such as dizziness,
vomiting, and notable decreases in hemoglobin, white blood cells, and platelets
in the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Ribavirin aerosol can be effectively and safely used for treating
mild HFMD. With low dosage and few adverse reactions, it holds promise for
clinical application.
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