Pimecrolimus cream 1% is effective in asteatotic eczema: results of a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study in 40 patients.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Pimecrolimus cream 1% is an effective treatment for atopic eczema. The aim was to investigate its efficacy in asteatotic eczema, a skin disease similar to atopic eczema and its associated dry skin and itching.

METHODS:

Single-centre, randomized, double-blind, vehicle controlled study in 40 patients with asteatotic eczema. Efficacy was assessed by eczema area and severity index (EASI), investigators global assessment (IGA), patient's self-assessment, and pruritus severity.

RESULTS:

After 4 weeks of treatment, EASI, the primary efficacy variable, was reduced by 62+/-7% from baseline in patients on pimecrolimus, compared to 21+/-14% in patients on vehicle (P=0.013). With pimecrolimus there was also a better control of pruritus (P=0.042) at week 4 whereas a better control of disease according to self-assessment could only be observed at weeks 2 (P=0.01) and week 3 (P=0.08).

CONCLUSION:

Pimecrolimus cream 1% is effective in patients with asteatotic eczema.

• Authors: P Schulz, B Bunselmeyer, M Bräutigam, T A Luger
• Journal: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV (J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol) Vol. 21 Issue 1 Pg. 90-4 (Jan 2007) ISSN: 0926-9959 [Print] England
• PMID: 17207174 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Dermatologic Agents
• Pharmaceutical Vehicles
• pimecrolimus
• Tacrolimus

Topics

• Adult
• Dermatologic Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Eczema (drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pharmaceutical Vehicles
• Tacrolimus (administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)