Cyclosporin in childhood psoriasis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Cyclosporin is known to be highly effective in the treatment of psoriasis in adults. It has also proved effective and well tolerated in the treatment of severe childhood atopic dermatitis. Psoriasis in childhood is relatively unusual but by no means rare and on occasions the disease can be very difficult to control in this age group. The use of cyclosporin for psoriasis in childhood has received scarcely any attention and in the few cases that have been reported the results have been inconsistent. Three children aged from 7 to 11 years with severe psoriasis resistant to topical agents were treated with cyclosporin. The highest dose required was 3.5 mg/kg per day. The duration of treatment ranged from 6 weeks to 4 months. Cyclosporin was effective and generally well tolerated. Treatment was interrupted in one case due to nausea and diarrhoea. None of the patients developed hypertension or renal impairment. The potential role of cyclosporin in severe childhood psoriasis is discussed.

• Authors: C M Perrett, A Ilchyshyn, J Berth-Jones
• Journal: The Journal of dermatological treatment (J Dermatolog Treat) Vol. 14 Issue 2 Pg. 113-8 (Jun 2003) ISSN: 0954-6634 [Print] England
• PMID: 12775319 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Dermatologic Agents
• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Cyclosporine

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Child
• Cyclosporine (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Dermatologic Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Psoriasis (drug therapy, pathology)
• Severity of Illness Index