Skin Rashes Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Skin Rashes, including details on dermatitis, itches, creams, medication, treatment.

Long-term control of atopic dermatitis with pimecrolimus cream 1% in infants and young children: a two-year study.

Papp KA, Werfel T, Fölster-Holst R, Ortonne JP, Potter PC, de Prost Y, Davidson MJ, Barbier N, Goertz HP, Paul C

Probity Medical Research, Hannover Medical University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. kapapp@probitymedical.com

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: The safety and efficacy of treatment with pimecrolimus cream 1% was evaluated for up to 2 years in infants and young children with atopic dermatitis. Ninety-one patients participated in a 1-year, open-label extension to a 1-year double-blind study. Of these, 76 received pimecrolimus for 2 years. Pimecrolimus was applied twice daily at the first signs or symptoms of the disease until clearance. Outcome measures included the incidence of adverse events and the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI). RESULTS: No patient discontinued because of adverse events. The incidence of systemic and skin infections did not increase over time. Over the 2-year period, 2 patients experienced an episode of clinically diagnosed eczema herpeticum. In patients receiving pimecrolimus for 2 years, the mean decrease in EASI score from baseline was 68.7% at 3 months and 70.8% at 24 months. CONCLUSION: Treatment with pimecrolimus cream 1% for up to 2 years was well tolerated and resulted in a marked and sustained improvement of atopic dermatitis.

Published 4 February 2005 in J Am Acad Dermatol, 52(2): 240-6.
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