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Published on: November 8, 2015
Short-term efficacy of tacrolimus ointment and impact on quality of life
Yasuto Kondo1, Yoichi Nakajima, Ryo Komatsubara
1Department of Pediatrics, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan. ykondo@fujita-hu.ac.jp
Insights
Tacrolimus ointment (0.03%) rapidly improved skin symptoms and quality of life in children with atopic dermatitis (AD). This topical calcineurin inhibitor (TCI) demonstrated significant benefits within one week for pediatric AD patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) are effective for atopic dermatitis (AD), improving clinical signs and itching.
- Tacrolimus ointment (0.03%) is approved for pediatric AD patients (≥2 years) in Japan.
- Limited data exists on TCI's impact on quality of life (QOL) in Japanese pediatric AD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the short-term efficacy of tacrolimus ointment (0.03%) in pediatric AD patients.
- To assess the impact of tacrolimus ointment on the quality of life (QOL) in pediatric AD patients.
Main Methods:
- 30 pediatric AD patients, inadequately controlled by topical glucocorticosteroids, were enrolled.
- Efficacy was measured by scores for skin findings, pruritus, sleep disturbance, and QOL.
- Treatment involved tacrolimus ointment (0.03%).
Main Results:
- 27 patients completed the study; 3 discontinued due to side effects or lack of efficacy.
- Significant improvements in skin symptoms, pruritus, and sleeplessness were noted within 1 week.
- QOL scores also showed improvement, sustained throughout the study period.
Conclusions:
- Tacrolimus ointment (0.03%) offers rapid efficacy for pediatric AD.
- The treatment effectively improves clinical symptoms including skin findings, pruritus, and sleeplessness.
- Tacrolimus ointment significantly enhances the quality of life for pediatric AD patients aged two years and older.
Background:
Topical calcineurin inhibitor (TCI) was reported to be an effective therapeutic agent for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), for not only improving clinical findings but also for reducing pruritus. Recently in Japan tacrolimus ointment (0.03%) as a TCI was approved for use in children aged > or =2 years. There have been no reports, however, on the impact of TCI on quality of life (QOL) in pediatric AD in Japan. The purpose of the present study was therefore to evaluate the efficacy of tacrolimus ointment (0.03%) in the short-term and the impact on patient QOL.
Methods:
A total of 30 pediatric patients with AD, whose skin problems were not sufficiently controlled by mid-high potency topical glucocorticosteroids, were enrolled. Efficacy was assessed on score of cutaneous findings, pruritus, sleeping disorder, and QOL.
Results:
Three patients discontinued because of skin burning (n = 1), generalized herpes infection (n = 1), and feeling of lack of efficacy (n = 1), leaving a final total of 27 patients who were evaluated. Significant improvements in clinical findings, pruritus, and sleeplessness were observed within 1 week of treatment and consequently each QOL category was also improved. These improvements continued for the duration of the study.
Conclusions:
Tacrolimus ointment therapy is rapidly effective for not only clinical symptoms (cutaneous findings, pruritus and sleeplessness) but also in QOL of AD pediatric patients aged > or =2 years.
