Percutaneous absorption of topically applied triamcinolone in children
Related Experiment Videos
Insights
This study found that prolonged use of medium-strength topical corticosteroids in children with severe atopic eczema did not cause significant adrenal suppression. This suggests topical corticosteroid safety for pediatric eczema treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids, particularly in children.
- Pediatricians and dermatologists often consider children at higher risk for corticosteroid absorption than adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the percutaneous absorption and potential adrenal suppression from prolonged use of 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide ointment in pediatric patients with severe atopic eczema.
Main Methods:
- Patients with severe atopic eczema applied 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide ointment four times daily for six weeks.
- Plasma cortisol levels were measured at 8 AM and 4 PM.
- 24-hour urinary cortisol levels were determined.
Main Results:
- No significant adrenal suppression was observed in any patient.
- All patients maintained normal 8 AM plasma cortisol levels.
- No notable adrenal suppression was indicated by 24-hour urinary cortisol levels.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged use of medium-strength topical corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone acetonide, for severe atopic eczema in children likely poses no significant hazard from percutaneous absorption.
- The study suggests that topical corticosteroids can be safely administered for extended periods in pediatric patients with severe eczema.
Abstract:
The real and potential problems associated with the percutaneous absorption of topically applied corticosteroids have been used as an argument against the prolonged administration of these drugs. Many pediatricians and dermatologists consider children to be more likely to absorb substantial quantities of topically applied corticosteroids than adults. This study examines the percutaneous absorption of 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide ointment applied four times a day for a period of six weeks to patients with severe atopic eczema. The results of 8 AM and 4 PM plasma cortisol and 24-hour urinary cortisol determinations do not indicate any notable adrenal suppression. No patient had an 8 AM cortisol value that would be considered in the abnormal range. These results indicate that the use of a medium-strength topical corticosteroid for this length of time probably poses no noteworthy hazard from percutaneous absorption.