Cyclosporine in severe childhood atopic dermatitis: a multicenter study.

Abstract

Severe atopic dermatitis (AD) remains difficult to treat. Cyclosporine is effective in adults but has not previously been investigated in children with AD. The aims were to investigate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of cyclosporine in severe refractory childhood AD. Subjects 2 to 16 years of age were treated for 6 weeks with cyclosporine, 5 mg/kg per day, in an open study. Disease activity was monitored every 2 weeks by means of sign scores, visual analogue scales for symptoms, and quality-of-life questionnaires. Adverse events were monitored. Efficacy and tolerability were assessed with five-point scales. Twenty-seven children were treated. Significant improvements were seen in all measures of disease activity. Twenty-two showed marked improvement or total clearing. Quality of life improved for both the children and their families. Tolerability was considered good or very good in 25 subjects. Cyclosporine may offer an effective, safe, and well-tolerated short-term treatment option for children with severe AD.