CYCLOSPORINE IN SEVERE CHILDHOOD ATOPIC-DERMATITIS - A MULTICENTER STUDY

Background: Severe atopic dermatitis (AD) remains difficult to treat. Cyclosporine is effecive in adults but has not previously been investi gated in children with AD. Objective: The aims were to investigate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of cyclosporine in severe refracto ry childhood AD. Methods: Subjects 2 to 16 years of age were treated f or 6 weeks with cyclosporine, 5 mg/kg per day, in an open study. Disea se activity was monitored every 2 weeks by means of sign scores, visua l analogue scales for symptoms, and quality-of-life questionnaires. Ad verse events were monitored. Efficacy and tolerability were assessed w ith five-point scales. Results: Twenty-seven children were treated. Si gnificant improvements were seen in all measures of disease activity. Twenty-two showed marked improvement or total clearing. Quality of lif e 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.