The Efficacy and Safety of γ-Linolenic Acid in the Treatment of Infantile Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

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.

Enzymatic synthesis of high‐purity structured lipids with caprylic acid at 1,3‐positions and polyunsaturated fatty acid at 2‐position

“…The ethyl ester of EPA has been used in the treatment of arteriosclerosis obliterans and hyperlipemia (4), and oil containing 50% DHA has been used as a health food (5). γ-Linolenic acid (18:3n-6; GLA) shows the physiological functions of modulating atopic eczema (6) and rheumatoid arthritis (7), and arachidonic acid (20:4n-6; AA) and DHA are known to be important for preterm infants (8,9).…”

Mucolytic Agents in Pediatrics: Rational Selection, Therapeutic Effects and Specific Aspects of Treatment

“…АЦ имеет хороший профиль безопасности у детей. Было проведено более 20 исследований с привлечением 1080 больных в возрасте от 2 мес до 13 лет, в которых подтвердили безопасность применения данного препарата в педиа-трической практике [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22].…”

Potential of Evening Primrose, Borage, Black Currant, and Fungal Oils in Human Health

“…Fiocchi et al [14] fed GLA (3 g/day) in the form of EPO for 4 weeks to children with infantile atopic dermatitis. A statistically significant decrease in sleep interruption and itching requiring antihistaminic or corticosteroidal therapy was observed after 10 days.…”