Influence of pimecrolimus cream 1% on different morphological signs of eczema in infants with atopic dermatitis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

In the published studies on the efficacy of the topical immunomodulator pimecrolimus, different eczema scores were used, and the impact on morphological key signs of eczema was not analysed.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the influence of pimecrolimus cream 1% on different standard eczema scores in infants with atopic dermatitis and to analyse the impact of treatment on the individual morphological key signs of eczema.

METHODS:

Pimecrolimus cream 1% (n = 129) or double-blind vehicle control (n = 66) was administered for 4 weeks. The Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Investigators' Global Assessment (IGA) and Scoring Atopic Dermatitis Index (SCORAD) were determined and were correlated with each other.

RESULTS:

Following treatment with pimecrolimus, the EASI, IGA and SCORAD were significantly reduced on day 29 as compared with the vehicle group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.002, respectively). There was a close correlation between EASI, IGA and SCORAD. The single parameters of the EASI were already significantly decreased by day 4 in the pimecrolimus group as compared to vehicle (each p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

Treatment with pimecrolimus 1% cream leads to a rapid improvement of all morphological signs of eczema. The close correlation of different scores was shown for the first time.

• Authors: Kristine Breuer, Matthias Braeutigam, Alexander Kapp, Thomas Werfel
• Journal: Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) (Dermatology) Vol. 209 Issue 4 Pg. 314-20 ( 2004) ISSN: 1018-8665 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 15539895 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: Copyright (c) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Chemical References

• Ointments
• pimecrolimus
• Tacrolimus

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Biopsy, Needle
• Dermatitis, Atopic (complications, drug therapy, pathology)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Eczema (complications, drug therapy, pathology)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Immunohistochemistry
• Infant
• Male
• Ointments
• Probability
• Reference Values
• Risk Assessment
• Severity of Illness Index
• Tacrolimus (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome