DOUBLE-BLIND-STUDY OF CETIRIZINE IN ATOPIC ECZEMA IN CHILDREN

An 8-week, double-blind study of the clinical efficacy of cetirizine w as performed in a group of 6 to 12-year-old children suffering from at opic eczema. Patients were enrolled in the study if they presented the diagnostic criteria of atopic dermatitis established by Hanifin and R ajka. Pruritus in the cetirizine-treated group diminished significantl y more rapidly than in the control group receiving only placebo. Durin g the 8 weeks of the study, diary card scores showed a statistically s ignificant decrease in erythema and other cutaneous symptoms, such as lichenification, in the cetirizine group. The children's parents did n ot observe any side effects (somnolence or decreased attention) during the study. The results of this preliminary study suggest that cetiriz ine can effectively control pruritus and other cutaneous symptoms in c hildren suffering from atopic eczema without noticeable side effects.