Pimecrolimus and narrowband UVB as monotherapy or combination therapy in children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis.

Abstract

Topical pimecrolimus and narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) are both known to be effective in treating atopic dermatitis. We compared the clinical efficacy of monotherapy with either twice daily topical 1% pimecrolimus cream or twice weekly narrowband UVB, and combination therapy in 26 children and adolescents with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in a half-side manner for 6 weeks. Twenty-four patients completed the study. Monotherapy and combination therapy notably reduced the scores of the Eczema Area and Severity Index ( p = 0.002) and the severity of pruritus ( p < or = 0.004). There was no significant difference in therapeutic efficacy among the treatment regimens at week 6. In conclusion, because of the lack of short-term additive therapeutic efficacy, concomitant use of pimecrolimus and narrowband UVB is inadvisable in treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents.

• Authors: Tien-Yi Tzung, Chyi-Bin Lin, Ya-Hui Chen, Chia-Yi Yang
• Journal: Acta dermato-venereologica (Acta Derm Venereol) Vol. 86 Issue 1 Pg. 34-8 ( 2006) ISSN: 0001-5555 [Print] Sweden
• PMID: 16585987 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Dermatologic Agents
• Ointments
• pimecrolimus
• Tacrolimus

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adolescent
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Dermatitis, Atopic (therapy)
• Dermatologic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Ointments
• Prospective Studies
• Pruritus (therapy)
• Severity of Illness Index
• Tacrolimus (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultraviolet Therapy