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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
08:38
Quantification of the Immunosuppressant Tacrolimus on Dried Blood Spots Using LC-MS/MS
Published on: November 8, 2015
Tacrolimus: a new option in therapy-resistant chronic external otitis
Philipp P Caffier1, Wolfgang Harth, Babak Mayelzadeh
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany. philipp.caffier@charite.de
The Laryngoscope
|April 19, 2007
Summary
Topical tacrolimus effectively treated chronic external otitis (EO) in 85% of patients short-term. Long-term, it offered sustained relief and reduced relapses in therapy-resistant cases.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Chronic external otitis (EO) is often resistant to conventional therapies.
- Existing treatments may have limitations or side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy and safety of topical tacrolimus for chronic, therapy-resistant external otitis.
- To evaluate tacrolimus as a corticosteroid-free treatment option.
Main Methods:
- A prospective clinical study involving 53 patients (ages 5-83).
- Application of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment via ear wick every 2-3 days for three applications.
- Clinical parameters (pain, swelling, discharge, redness, itching, scaling) were scored pre-, intra-, and post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Short-term: 85% improvement, significant reduction in all clinical parameters (P < .001).
- Long-term: 46% complete healing after one cycle; 54% experienced recurrences with extended symptom-free intervals.
- Repeated tacrolimus treatment reduced EO episode frequency. Minimal side effects (local heat, burning, itching) were noted.
Conclusions:
- Topical tacrolimus is a promising, well-tolerated, corticosteroid-free treatment for chronic external otitis.
- It offers an effective new option for patients resistant to standard therapies.
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