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Chu CY, Yao TC, Shih IH, Yang CY, Chin CL, Ibrahim SBBK, Thevarajah S, Fon LK, Ho MHK, Mo CC, Yu CP, Loo SKF, Luger T. Pimecrolimus for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Infants: An Asian Perspective. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2023; 13:717-727. [PMID: 36735214 PMCID: PMC9984644 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-022-00886-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic, multisystem inflammatory skin disease in pediatric patients. There has been an increase in the incidence of AD in the pediatric population of the Asia-Pacific region. Studies have shown that genetic, epigenetic, environmental and cultural factors may lead to differences in the clinical manifestation and prevalence of AD between races. Early treatment of AD is necessary to prevent the atopic march leading to comorbidities such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are used as first-line therapy for the treatment of AD, but their long-term usage poses a risk to the patient's health. Pimecrolimus (1%) is a topical calcineurin inhibitor (TCI) that is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate AD. Pimecrolimus has no apparent increase in adverse events compared to TCS, and it causes less of a burning sensation than tacrolimus. The safety and efficacy of pimecrolimus has been established through various clinical trials; yet, in many Asian countries, the use of pimecrolimus in infants is still restricted due to safety concerns. Based on the available evidence, the expert panel recommends pimecrolimus in infants between 3 months and 2 years of age in the Asian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yu Chu
- Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Chieh Yao
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - I.-Hsin Shih
- Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Yi Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan ,Department of Dermatology, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | - Leong Kin Fon
- Pediatric Institute, Kuala Lumpur General Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Chow Pok Yu
- The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Steven King-Fan Loo
- The Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Thomas Luger
- Department of Dermatology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
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Luger T, Augustin M, Lambert J, Paul C, Pincelli C, Torrelo A, Vestergaard C, Wahn U, Werfel T. Unmet medical needs in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in infants: An Expert consensus on safety and efficacy of pimecrolimus. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2021; 32:414-424. [PMID: 33251600 DOI: 10.1111/pai.13422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease during infancy, which imposes a considerable burden on patients, their families, and the society, requiring effective treatment options that result in rapid and sustained symptom relief. Additionally, early treatment may prevent the development of atopic comorbidities by restoring the skin barrier. Currently, topical standard-of-care for AD in infants includes emollients and topical corticosteroids (TCS) to treat and reduce the risk of flares. However, only few have been approved for infants and long-term maintenance therapy with TCS is not indicated due to potential local and systemic side effects, including skin atrophy. Accordingly, the recently updated European guidelines for treatment of AD recommend topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) for long-term use, treatment of sensitive skin areas, and for use in the pediatric population. Evidence on the use of TCIs for infants has almost been exclusively collected for pimecrolimus, with >4000 infants evaluated in clinical trials, consistently confirming that pimecrolimus is a safe and effective treatment for infants with AD. Nevertheless, its use is still restricted in most countries to children above the age of 2 years due to initial and mostly theoretical safety concerns. Based on a careful review of the available evidence of clinical trials, post-marketing surveillance, and epidemiological studies, an Expert Panel of European dermatologists and pediatric allergologists concluded that these safety concerns are no longer valid. Therefore, pimecrolimus offers a safe and effective alternative to TCS in infants aged 3 months and above, and labeling restrictions in this age group are no longer justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Luger
- Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Julien Lambert
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Carle Paul
- Department of Dermatology, Toulouse University, Toulouse, France
| | - Carlo Pincelli
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Biology, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Antonio Torrelo
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ulrich Wahn
- Department for Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité Medical University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Werfel
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Siegfried EC, Jaworski JC, Mina-Osorio P. A Systematic Scoping Literature Review of Publications Supporting Treatment Guidelines for Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis in Contrast to Clinical Practice Patterns. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2018; 8:349-377. [PMID: 29858763 PMCID: PMC6109028 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-018-0243-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment guidelines endorse a variety of strategies for atopic dermatitis (AD) which may vary from published data and clinical practice patterns. The objective of this review was to quantify the volume of available medical literature supporting pediatric AD treatments and compare these patterns to those recommended by published guidelines and/or clinical practice patterns. METHODS Searches of Embase (2005-2016) and abstracts from selected meetings (2014-2016) related to AD treatment in patients younger than 17 years of age yielded references that were assessed by study design, primary treatment, age groups, and AD severity. RESULTS Published literature partially supports clinical guidelines, with emollients and topical medications being the most investigated. There were disproportionately more publications for topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI) compared with topical corticosteroids (TCS); however, the search interval may have biased the results toward treatments approved near the beginning of the time frame. In contrast, publications documenting clinical practice patterns reflect greater use of emollients and TCS (over TCI), as well as systemic corticosteroids. Data is relatively limited for long-term and combination treatment, treatment of severe AD, and patients younger than 2 years of age, and completely lacking for systemic corticosteroids. CONCLUSION This scoping review demonstrates that available medical literature largely supports published guidelines for topical therapy; however, clinical practice patterns are less aligned. There is a lack of data for older, more frequently used generic treatments, including oral antihistamines, oral antibiotics, and systemic corticosteroids. Overall, literature is lacking for long-term treatment, treatment for patients younger than 2 years of age, and for systemic treatment for severe disease. FUNDING Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine C Siegfried
- Saint Louis University and Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Papier A, Strowd LC. Atopic dermatitis: a review of topical nonsteroid therapy. Drugs Context 2018; 7:212521. [PMID: 29632548 PMCID: PMC5886549 DOI: 10.7573/dic.212521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects up to 20% of children and 3% of adults globally. Although topical corticosteroids are considered to be the first-line agents, they can be associated with cutaneous and systemic adverse effects. Since the early 2000s, two new classes of nonsteroid topical therapies, topical calcineurin inhibitors and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors, have been introduced and provide a safe treatment alternative. Method We performed a search and review of clinical trials that examined the safety and efficacy of topical calcineurin inhibitors and PDE4 inhibitors. The search was conducted using the PubMed database as well as preselected keywords and filters. This review focuses on the safety and efficacy of each therapy. Results Sixty-nine clinical trials identified in this study have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of topical calcineurin and a single novel PDE4 inhibitor in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Topical calcineurin inhibitors have been shown to be effective in both achieving lesion clearance as well as reducing relapse when used long-term and proactively. Similarly, in clinical trials the PDE4 inhibitor showed success in lesion clearance and symptom management. All three therapies (pimecrolimus, tacrolimus, crisaborole) are associated with low systemic absorption. No clinical trials to date have shown an increased risk of systemic adverse events or malignancy such as lymphoma. The most commonly reported treatment-related adverse event across all three therapies was application-site discomfort, pain or pruritus. It is important to note that long-term studies are not yet available for the novel PDE4 inhibitor. Discussion Topical calcineurin inhibitors provide a safe and effective alternative to topical corticosteroid use in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Although the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) black box warning for topical calcineurin inhibitors remains, studies have not shown an increased risk of malignancy. These warnings have caused a decline in use in favor of topical steroids. A novel PDE4 inhibitor has shown efficacy and safety in studies up to one year. Further long-term safety data is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Papier
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Lindsay C Strowd
- Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Halling-Overgaard AS, Kezic S, Jakasa I, Engebretsen K, Maibach H, Thyssen J. Skin absorption through atopic dermatitis skin: a systematic review. Br J Dermatol 2017; 177:84-106. [DOI: 10.1111/bjd.15065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A.-S. Halling-Overgaard
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy; Herlev and Gentofte Hospital; University of Copenhagen; DK-2900 Hellerup Denmark
- National Allergy Research Centre; Herlev and Gentofte Hospital; University of Copenhagen; DK-2900 Hellerup Denmark
| | - S. Kezic
- Coronel Institute of Occupational Health; Academic Medical Centre; Amsterdam the Netherlands
| | - I. Jakasa
- Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology; University of Zagreb; Zagreb Croatia
| | - K.A. Engebretsen
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy; Herlev and Gentofte Hospital; University of Copenhagen; DK-2900 Hellerup Denmark
- National Allergy Research Centre; Herlev and Gentofte Hospital; University of Copenhagen; DK-2900 Hellerup Denmark
| | - H. Maibach
- Department of Dermatology; University of California San Francisco; San Francisco CA U.S.A
| | - J.P. Thyssen
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy; Herlev and Gentofte Hospital; University of Copenhagen; DK-2900 Hellerup Denmark
- National Allergy Research Centre; Herlev and Gentofte Hospital; University of Copenhagen; DK-2900 Hellerup Denmark
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Namazova-Baranova LS, Murashkin NN, Materikin AI, Ambarchyan ET, Epishev RV. Topical treatment of atopic dermatitis in children: current challenges and answers. VESTNIK DERMATOLOGII I VENEROLOGII 2016. [DOI: 10.25208/0042-4609-2016-92-4-59-67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most prevalent skin disease in the early childhood and is a considerable problem both for patients and members of their families and for the society on the whole. In most cases, AD requires a long-term therapy such as the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Selective inhibitors of the synthesis and release of proinflammatory cytokines - topical calcineurin inhibitors (Tcis) - are now used to solve this problem, with pimecrolimus being one of them. Pimecrolimus has been thoroughly examined for the past decade in different clinical studies involving a total of over 4,000 infants (below 2 years of age). These studies demonstrated the efficacy and safety of pimecrolimus for AD in children provided it is used in a long-term therapy on an intermittent basis. Unlike topical corticosteroids, the long-term use of pimecrolimus is not associated with any risk of development of systemic immunosuppression, skin atrophy, skin barrier dysfunction or systemic absorption so it is safe even if applied to the most sensitive skin areas. In view of this, the authors make a conclusion that pimecrolimus used in the form of a cream is a safe and efficient drug for the treatment of infants aged over three months suffering from atopic dermatitis.
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Luger T, Boguniewicz M, Carr W, Cork M, Deleuran M, Eichenfield L, Eigenmann P, Fölster-Holst R, Gelmetti C, Gollnick H, Hamelmann E, Hebert AA, Muraro A, Oranje AP, Paller AS, Paul C, Puig L, Ring J, Siegfried E, Spergel JM, Stingl G, Taieb A, Torrelo A, Werfel T, Wahn U. Pimecrolimus in atopic dermatitis: consensus on safety and the need to allow use in infants. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2015; 26:306-15. [PMID: 25557211 PMCID: PMC4657476 DOI: 10.1111/pai.12331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a distressing dermatological disease, which is highly prevalent during infancy, can persist into later life and requires long-term management with anti-inflammatory compounds. The introduction of the topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, more than 10 yr ago was a major breakthrough for the topical anti-inflammatory treatment of AD. Pimecrolimus 1% is approved for second-line use in children (≥2 yr old) and adults with mild-to-moderate AD. The age restriction was emphasized in a boxed warning added by the FDA in January 2006, which also highlights the lack of long-term safety data and the theoretical risk of skin malignancy and lymphoma. Since then, pimecrolimus has been extensively investigated in short- and long-term studies including over 4000 infants (<2 yr old). These studies showed that pimecrolimus effectively treats AD in infants, with sustained improvement with long-term intermittent use. Unlike topical corticosteroids, long-term TCI use does not carry the risks of skin atrophy, impaired epidermal barrier function or enhanced percutaneous absorption, and so is suitable for AD treatment especially in sensitive skin areas. Most importantly, the studies of pimecrolimus in infants provided no evidence for systemic immunosuppression, and a comprehensive body of evidence from clinical studies, post-marketing surveillance and epidemiological investigations does not support potential safety concerns. In conclusion, the authors consider that the labelling restrictions regarding the use of pimecrolimus in infants are no longer justified and recommend that the validity of the boxed warning for TCIs should be reconsidered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Luger
- Department of Dermatology, University of MünsterMünster, Germany
| | - Mark Boguniewicz
- Division of Pediatric Allergy-Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health and University of Colorado School of MedicineDenver, CO, USA
| | - Warner Carr
- Southern California ResearchMission Viejo, CA, USA
| | - Michael Cork
- Academic Unit of Dermatology Research, Department of Infection and Immunity, The University of Sheffield, K Floor, The Medical School (RHH Tower)Sheffield, UK
| | - Mette Deleuran
- Department of Dermatology, Aarhus University HospitalAarhus C, Denmark
| | - Lawrence Eichenfield
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, Rady Children's HospitalSan Diego, CA, USA
| | - Philippe Eigenmann
- Pediatric Allergy Unit, Children's University HospitalGeneva, Switzerland
| | - Regina Fölster-Holst
- Department of Dermatology, University Clinics of Schleswig-HolsteinKiel, Germany
| | - Carlo Gelmetti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Clinica Dermatologica, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Ca’ Granda “Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico”Milan, Italy
| | - Harald Gollnick
- Department of Dermatology & Venereology, Otto-von-Guericke University of MagdeburgMagdeburg, Germany
| | - Eckard Hamelmann
- Allergy Center Ruhr, Ruhr-University Bochum, & Evangelisches Krankenhaus Bielefeld, Klinik für Kinder und JugendmedizinBielefeld, Germany
| | - Adelaide A Hebert
- Departments of Dermatology and Pediatrics, The University of Texas Medical School-HoustonHouston, TX, USA
| | - Antonella Muraro
- Food Allergy Referral Centre, Department of Woman and Child Health, University Hospital of PaduaPadua, Italy
| | - Arnold P Oranje
- Department of Dermatology, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdamthe Netherlands
- Dermicis Skin HospitalAlkmaar, the Netherlands
- Intermedica Dermatology and Hair ClinicBoxmeer, the Netherlands
| | - Amy S Paller
- Departments of Dermatology and Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicago, IL, USA
| | - Carle Paul
- Dermatology Department, INSERM 1056, Paul Sabatier University, Larrey HospitalToulouse, France
| | - Luis Puig
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau & Universitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Johannes Ring
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology Biederstein, Christine Kühne-Center for Allergy Research and Education, Technische Universität MünchenMunich, Germany
| | - Elaine Siegfried
- Departments of Pediatrics and Dermatology, Saint Louis University School of MedicineSt. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jonathan M Spergel
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at University of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Georg Stingl
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of ViennaVienna, Austria
| | - Alain Taieb
- Service de Dermatologie et Dermatologie Pédiatrique Centre de référence pour les maladies rares de la peau, INSERM 1035, Université de BordeauxBordeaux, France
| | | | - Thomas Werfel
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Hannover Medical SchoolHannover, Germany
| | - Ulrich Wahn
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, ChariteBerlin, Germany
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Abstract
Management of ichthyoses is a complex and continuously dynamic process. Primary treatments of ichthyosis are by means of topical moisturizers and topical medications. Patients and families need to have reasonable and realistic expectations when it comes to topical therapy. Topical medications cannot cure the scaling, but can gradually reduce it and thus improve their condition. No one treatment regimen works for everyone, and the best topical therapy for each patient may be the result of months (or years) of painstaking effort on both the physician's and the patient's behalf. As patients get older and their activities and lifestyles change, so should their topical treatment regimen. Bear in mind that the more complex the skin care regimen and costly the topical treatments, the less likely a patient and their family will be compliant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Fleckman
- Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.
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Schneider L, Tilles S, Lio P, Boguniewicz M, Beck L, LeBovidge J, Novak N, Bernstein D, Blessing-Moore J, Khan D, Lang D, Nicklas R, Oppenheimer J, Portnoy J, Randolph C, Schuller D, Spector S, Tilles S, Wallace D. Atopic dermatitis: a practice parameter update 2012. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2013; 131:295-9.e1-27. [PMID: 23374261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2012.12.672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 269] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This parameter was developed by the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters, representing the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI); the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI); and the Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The AAAAI and the ACAAI have jointly accepted responsibility for establishing "Atopic dermatitis: a practice parameter update 2012." This is a complete and comprehensive document at the current time. The medical environment is a changing environment, and not all recommendations will be appropriate for all patients. Because this document incorporated the efforts of many participants, no single individual, including those who served on the Joint Task Force, is authorized to provide an official AAAAI or ACAAI interpretation of these practice parameters. Any request for information about or an interpretation of these practice parameters by the AAAAI or ACAAI should be directed to the Executive Offices of the AAAAI, the ACAAI, and the Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. These parameters are not designed for use by pharmaceutical companies in drug promotion. Published practice parameters of the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters for Allergy & Immunology are available online at http://www.jcaai.org.
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Siegfried EC, Jaworski JC, Hebert AA. Topical calcineurin inhibitors and lymphoma risk: evidence update with implications for daily practice. Am J Clin Dermatol 2013; 14:163-78. [PMID: 23703374 PMCID: PMC3669499 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-013-0020-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), commercially available since 2000–2001, are the first and only topical medications approved for chronic treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in pediatric patients and remain a welcomed alternative to topical corticosteroids. In January 2006, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a boxed warning requirement based on a theoretical risk of malignancy (including lymphoma) with TCI use. However, in the years since, analyses of epidemiologic and clinical data have failed to demonstrate a causal relationship between TCI use and malignancy or lymphoma risk, especially for pimecrolimus cream. In fact, the observed number of malignancies and lymphomas observed both in post-marketing surveillance and reported to the FDA using its adverse events reporting system is much lower among TCI-exposed patients than the expected number for the general population. Furthermore, among children enrolled in post-marketing pediatric registry studies for both tacrolimus and pimecrolimus followed for up to 5.5 years [10,724 patient-years (PY)] or 6.5 years (16,219 PY), respectively, the observed number of malignancies and lymphomas is very low and similar to the number expected for a sample of similar size in the general population. In addition to reporting these comparative malignancy and lymphoma data, this article provides a historical overview of the boxed warning requirement and critically evaluates the preclinical, clinical, and epidemiological evidence that has thus far failed to substantiate a relationship between TCI use and malignancy. The authors also provide practical clinical advice for optimizing AD management and patient care in the context of the boxed warning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine C Siegfried
- Saint Louis University and Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, 1465 S Grand Ave., St. Louis, MO 63104, USA.
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11
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Abstract
Topical pimecrolimus 1% cream (Elidel) [hereafter referred to as topical pimecrolimus] is a nonsteroidal alternative in the treatment of pediatric atopic dermatitis. In vehicle-controlled, short-term, continuous-use trials in pediatric patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, topical pimecrolimus was effective in treating disease symptoms. Topical pimecrolimus was effective in preventing disease flares and reducing the need for topical corticosteroids in longer term, intermittent-use trials. In addition, topical pimecrolimus was associated with improvements in the health-related quality of life of pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis and their parents. In vehicle-controlled trials, topical pimecrolimus was generally as well tolerated as vehicle. Topical pimecrolimus showed similar efficacy to topical tacrolimus 0.03% ointment in a short-term, continuous-use trial and the two agents had a generally similar tolerability profile. Although comparative data between topical pimecrolimus and topical corticosteroids are lacking in pediatric patients, and the long-term tolerability (beyond 1-2 years) of topical pimecrolimus is yet to be established, topical pimecrolimus is a useful agent in the management of pediatric patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis who do not achieve satisfactory treatment with other topical pharmacologic treatments, including topical corticosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily P H Yang
- Adis, a Wolters Kluwer Business, Auckland, New Zealand.
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12
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Yang LPH, Curran MP. Topical pimecrolimus: a review of its use in the management of pediatric atopic dermatitis. Paediatr Drugs 2010; 11:407-26. [PMID: 19877726 DOI: 10.2165/10481960-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Topical pimecrolimus 1% cream (Elidel) [hereafter referred to as topical pimecrolimus] is a nonsteroidal alternative in the treatment of pediatric atopic dermatitis. In vehicle-controlled, short-term, continuous-use trials in pediatric patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, topical pimecrolimus was effective in treating disease symptoms. Topical pimecrolimus was effective in preventing disease flares and reducing the need for topical corticosteroids in longer term, intermittent-use trials. In addition, topical pimecrolimus was associated with improvements in the health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) of pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis and their parents. In vehicle-controlled trials, topical pimecrolimus was generally as well tolerated as vehicle. Topical pimecrolimus showed similar efficacy to topical tacrolimus 0.03% ointment (hereafter topical tacrolimus) in a short-term, continuous-use trial and the two agents had a generally similar tolerability profile. Although comparative data between topical pimecrolimus and topical corticosteroids are lacking in pediatric patients, and the long-term tolerability (beyond 1-2 years) of topical pimecrolimus is yet to be established, topical pimecrolimus is a useful agent in the management of pediatric patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis who do not achieve satisfactory treatment with other topical pharmacologic treatments, including topical corticosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily P H Yang
- Adis, a Wolters Kluwer Business, 41 Centorian Drive, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, North Shore 0754, Auckland, New Zealand.
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Topical corticosteroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors in the treatment of atopic dermatitis: focus on percutaneous absorption. Am J Ther 2009; 16:264-73. [PMID: 19262357 DOI: 10.1097/mjt.0b013e31818a975c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The 2 primary classes of drugs used to treat atopic dermatitis (AD) are topical corticosteroids (TCSs) and topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs). For maximum efficacy, topical agents must efficiently penetrate the skin but, for optimal safety, should not be absorbed into the bloodstream. TCSs, a mainstay in AD treatment for more than 50 years, can potentially be absorbed into the systemic circulation, particularly when used on young children, for prolonged periods, or on areas of thin and sensitive skin, such as the eyelids, face, and flexures. There is a risk of cutaneous and systemic adverse events, including suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and related sequelae, especially when potent or superpotent TCSs are used for extended periods. Ideally, TCSs should be used for short periods (2-4 weeks), but clinical reality often necessitates longer use. TCIs also effectively and safely treat AD, with the most commonly observed local adverse events being skin irritation and burning. These agents have demonstrated good penetration of the skin with minimal systemic absorption, as evidenced by low blood concentrations, and can be used safely on thin and sensitive skin. The use of mid-potency TCSs to treat acute flares involving skin of normal thickness, followed by the introduction of TCIs for maintenance therapy, constitutes an appropriate application of both drug classes. Pharmacists with a clear understanding of how both types of agents affect the systemic circulation have the opportunity to inform patients and caregivers about benefits and limitations of different therapeutic agents, address patient concerns about adverse events, and help patients understand how to use medical therapies appropriately.
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Kondo Y, Nakajima Y, Komatsubara R, Kato M, Hirata N, Matuyama H, Kakami M, Tsuge I, Ohya Y, Urisu A. Short-term efficacy of tacrolimus ointment and impact on quality of life. Pediatr Int 2009; 51:385-9. [PMID: 19400811 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-200x.2008.02741.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Topical calcineurin inhibitor (TCI) was reported to be an effective therapeutic agent for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), for not only improving clinical findings but also for reducing pruritus. Recently in Japan tacrolimus ointment (0.03%) as a TCI was approved for use in children aged > or =2 years. There have been no reports, however, on the impact of TCI on quality of life (QOL) in pediatric AD in Japan. The purpose of the present study was therefore to evaluate the efficacy of tacrolimus ointment (0.03%) in the short-term and the impact on patient QOL. METHODS A total of 30 pediatric patients with AD, whose skin problems were not sufficiently controlled by mid-high potency topical glucocorticosteroids, were enrolled. Efficacy was assessed on score of cutaneous findings, pruritus, sleeping disorder, and QOL. RESULTS Three patients discontinued because of skin burning (n = 1), generalized herpes infection (n = 1), and feeling of lack of efficacy (n = 1), leaving a final total of 27 patients who were evaluated. Significant improvements in clinical findings, pruritus, and sleeplessness were observed within 1 week of treatment and consequently each QOL category was also improved. These improvements continued for the duration of the study. CONCLUSIONS Tacrolimus ointment therapy is rapidly effective for not only clinical symptoms (cutaneous findings, pruritus and sleeplessness) but also in QOL of AD pediatric patients aged > or =2 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuto Kondo
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan.
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