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Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology

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01-05-2019 | Bronchial Asthma | Cornea

Dermatologic tacrolimus ointment on the eyelids for steroid-refractory vernal keratoconjunctivitis

Authors: Fang-Yu Liu, Hsin-Yu Liu, Hsiao-Sang Chu, Wei-Li Chen, Fung-Rong Hu, I-Jong Wang

Published in: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology | Issue 5/2019

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effects of dermatologic tacrolimus ointment on eyelids to treat refractory vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC).

Method

This institutional study examined the effects of steroid treatment for 10 patients diagnosed with severe VKC refractory to steroid treatment. Patients received 0.1% dermatologic topical tacrolimus treatment on their eyelids once or twice daily for concomitant atopic dermatitis. The therapeutic outcomes were evaluated according to change in severity of clinical findings recorded with serial external ocular photography and change in requirement for steroid treatment.

Results

Clinical signs and symptoms improved substantially after tacrolimus treatment. Significant reduction in size of papillae, decrease of discharge, improvement in hyperemia, and shield ulcer healing with re-epithelization were observed in all patients. Six out of 10 (60%) patients did not receive steroid treatment. Long-term maintenance of tacrolimus was required to prevent episodic exacerbation. Patients’ only treatment-related complaints were of mild burning sensations during medication application to eyelids, and this sensation disappeared a few days after treatment.

Conclusions

Application of 0.1% dermatologic tacrolimus ointment to eyelids is effective and safe in the treatment of refractory VKC in patients with concomitant atopic dermatitis. This treatment may serve as a substitute for or decrease the requirement of steroid treatment.

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Title: Dermatologic tacrolimus ointment on the eyelids for steroid-refractory vernal keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Fang-Yu Liu
Hsin-Yu Liu
Hsiao-Sang Chu
Wei-Li Chen
Fung-Rong Hu
I-Jong Wang
Publication date: 01-05-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Bronchial Asthma
Atopic Dermatitis
Tacrolimus
Published in: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology / Issue 5/2019
Print ISSN: 0721-832X
Electronic ISSN: 1435-702X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-019-04287-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Dermatologic tacrolimus ointment on the eyelids for steroid-refractory vernal keratoconjunctivitis

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusions

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