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Cyclosporine in severe childhood atopic dermatitis: a multicenter study
J Berth-Jones1, A Y Finlay, I Zaki
1Department of Dermatology, Walsgrave Hospital, Coventry, U.K.
Background:
Severe atopic dermatitis (AD) remains difficult to treat. Cyclosporine is effective in adults but has not previously been investigated in children with AD.
Objective:
The aims were to investigate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of cyclosporine in severe refractory childhood AD.
Methods:
Subjects 2 to 16 years of age were treated for 6 weeks with cyclosporine, 5 mg/kg per day, in an open study. Disease activity was monitored every 2 weeks by means of sign scores, visual analogue scales for symptoms, and quality-of-life questionnaires. Adverse events were monitored. Efficacy and tolerability were assessed with five-point scales.
Results:
Twenty-seven children were treated. Significant improvements were seen in all measures of disease activity. Twenty-two showed marked improvement or total clearing. Quality of life improved for both the children and their families. Tolerability was considered good or very good in 25 subjects.
Conclusion:
Cyclosporine may offer an effective, safe, and well-tolerated short-term treatment option for children with severe AD.