Abstract | BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, relative safety, and tolerability of 1% pimecrolimus cream in the treatment of oral erosive lichen planus (OELP). METHODS: Twenty patients with OELP were randomized into equal groups; group 1 applied 1% pimecrolimus cream twice daily to their oral lesions for 4 weeks, whereas group 2 applied a placebo cream. Photographs of the lesions were taken and analyzed for areas of ulceration, erythema, and reticulation. Discomfort scores were also assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS). Blood samples were taken at baseline and at study completion; a complete blood count with differential and comprehensive metabolic panel was ordered. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used. RESULTS: The experimental group showed a decrease in ulceration (alpha = 0.068) and erythema (alpha = 0.005) at the mid-point with continued reduction of erythema at the final (alpha = 0.075) time measurement. The control group demonstrated an increase in reticulation at the mid-point (alpha = 0.017) and final (alpha = 0.007) time measurement. The VAS scores for the experimental group decreased during the study (alpha = 0.022). Blood levels were within the normal range. CONCLUSIONS: The OELP lesion size in the 1% pimecrolimus group decreased and the pimecrolimus cream was found to significantly reduce the patient's pain scores. Further study of 1% pimecrolimus as therapy for OELP is warranted since it was shown to be effective, relatively safe, and well tolerated by patients within the limits of this short-term study.
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Authors | Julie C Swift, Terry D Rees, Jacqueline M Plemons, William W Hallmon, John C Wright |
Journal | Journal of periodontology
(J Periodontol)
Vol. 76
Issue 4
Pg. 627-35
(Apr 2005)
ISSN: 0022-3492 [Print] United States |
PMID | 15857105
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Chemical References |
- Immunosuppressive Agents
- Ointments
- pimecrolimus
- Tacrolimus
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Analysis of Variance
- Double-Blind Method
- Facial Pain
(drug therapy)
- Female
- Humans
- Immunosuppressive Agents
(administration & dosage)
- Lichen Planus, Oral
(drug therapy)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Ointments
(administration & dosage)
- Pain Measurement
- Pilot Projects
- Statistics, Nonparametric
- Tacrolimus
(administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives)
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