Topical Tacrolimus for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis with Truncal Lesion
Authors
Hyun Chang Ko ; Woo Il Kim ; Sang Hyun Cho ; Young Lip Park ; Eung Ho Choi ; Sang Wook Son ; Bark Lynn Lew ; Yang Won Lee ; Young Jun Seo ; Gyong Moon Kim ; Joon Hong Min ; Chan Ho Na ; Chong Hyun Won ; Hyoseung Shin ; Kwang Hoon Lee ; Joo Young Roh ; Young Min Park ; Yong Hyun Jang ; Seok Kweon Yun ; You Chan Kim ; Gyeong Hun Park ; Chun Wook Park
Background: Topical tacrolimus is an effective anti-inflammatory therapy for acute and chronic states of atopic dermatitis (AD) in both adults and children. Topical tacrolimus has particular use at sensitive areas such as the face, anogenitals, and skin folds of neck and extremities. However, many AD patients also experience aggravated symptoms on trunk. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of topical tacrolimus for AD patients with truncal lesions. Methods: AD patients with truncal lesions who were aged >/=2 years were recruited from 20 centres in Korea. They received treatment with topical tacrolimus ointment twice daily during 4 weeks. The primary end point was change of the local eczema area and severity index (EASI) of the trunk from baseline to day 28. The secondary end points were changes in the patient global assessment (PGA) score and itch visual analogue scale (VAS) score of the trunk between baseline and day 28. Results: Two hundred and ninety-one patients were recruited, and 176 patients completed the full 4-week treatment course. By the end of the treatment, the mean local EASI of the trunk (2.2+/-4.71) was significantly decreased from that at baseline (4.71+/-4.03, p<0.001). PGA (1.71+/-1.15) and itch VAS score of the trunk (2.61+/-2.19) on day 28 were also profoundly decreased compared with the baseline (2.96+/-1.07 and 5.15+/-2.47, respectively). No serious adverse events were observed during the study period. Conclusion: Topical tacrolimus is an effective and safe therapy for truncal lesions in AD patients.