In:
Geriatrics & Gerontology International, Wiley, Vol. 16, No. 4 ( 2016-04), p. 486-491
Abstract:
To identify the prevalence of onychomycosis and epidemiological features in older adults ( 〉 65%) with toenail onychodystrophy. In particular, the aim of the study was to analyze risk factors/protective factors, clinical manifestations, comorbidities and etiological agents. Methods A prospective study was carried out from F ebruary 2012 to M ay 2012 at S an M artino‐ IST of Genoa, Italy. The inclusion criteria for enrolment were the presence of onychodystrophy of one or more toenails and age 〉 65 years. The exclusion criteria were systemic/topical antifungal treatments in the previous 6 months, drilling of the nail plate in the previous 6 months and a specialist's diagnosis or suspicion of onychomycosis. A database was created for the patients' anamnesis, the clinics and testing results. Several statistical analyses were carried out. Results A total of 100 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A total of 35 cases had positive results, and the etiological agent was isolable in 14 cases. The most represented was T richophyton mentagrophytes followed by T richophyton rubrum and others. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the significant roles of sex and diabetes as risk factors, and the use of statins as a protective factor. Conclusions Onychomycosis has a high prevalence in older adults with onychodystrophy. It is important not to overlook onychodystrophy, and to carry out laboratory testing to exclude a fungal infection. In fact, as older patients often cannot undergo systemic antifungal therapies, it is fundamental to treat them early and avoid the spread of infection. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 486‐491.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1444-1586
,
1447-0594
DOI:
10.1111/ggi.2016.16.issue-4
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2016
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2078308-5
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