The Efficacy of Tapering Treatment with 0.1% Tacrolimus Ointment in Adult Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Korea.
- Author:
Heesang KYE
1
;
Soo Hong SEO
;
Hyo Hyun AHN
;
Young Chul KYE
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. yckye@korea.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Atopic dermatitis;
Quality of life;
Tacrolimus;
Treatment efficacy
- MeSH:
Adrenal Cortex Hormones;
Adult*;
Burns;
Dermatitis, Atopic*;
Dermatology;
Humans;
Korea;
Pruritus;
Quality of Life;
Skin;
Tacrolimus*;
Treatment Outcome
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2014;52(5):314-319
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Tacrolimus ointment is a topical immunomodulator. Preliminary studies suggest that 0.1% tacrolimus is effective and has a proactive effect on atopic dermatitis with fewer complications than topical corticosteroids. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tapering treatment with 0.1% tacrolimus ointment and its impact on quality of life in adult patients with atopic dermatitis in Korea. Korean adults with atopic dermatitis. METHODS: A total of 53 patients aged 15 to 54 years with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis applied 0.1% tacrolimus ointment for 12 weeks. The 0.1% tacrolimus ointment was applied along with a topical corticosteroid once daily during the 2-week induction phase and twice daily during the 2-week transitional phase. During the 8-week maintenance phase, the corticosteroid was discontinued and the 0.1% tacrolimus ointment alone was applied twice daily for 2 weeks and twice weekly for 6 weeks. Efficacy and quality of life were evaluated by the SCORAD and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), respectively. RESULTS: SCORAD and DLQI values were significantly improved after 12 weeks of treatment. Symptoms were markedly improved after 2 weeks of applying the 0.1% tacrolimus ointment and the improvements were well maintained after tapering. Continuous improvement was observed throughout the study. Transient skin burning and itching occurred in about 43% of the patients, but gradually decreased in about 30% after continuous application. CONCLUSION: Tapering treatment with 0.1% tacrolimus ointment is safe and effective, and may replace the long-term use of topical corticosteroids, avoiding corticosteroid-associated adverse effects while maintaining clinical control and improving the quality of life of adult atopic dermatitis patients.
