TACROLIMUS OINTMENT FOR TREATMENT OF VKC
Journal Title: Journal of Evidence Based Medicine and Healthcare - Year 2017, Vol 4, Issue 43
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a bilateral recurrent chronic allergy inflammatory disorder of ocular surface, which is seasonally exacerbated mostly involving tarsal and bulbar conjunctiva in chronic and severe cases involves cornea as well. Affects mostly children and young adults with male predominance. Tacrolimus (FK-506) is a highly potent immune modulatory agent produced by the fungus Streptomyces tsukubaensis. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective, nonrandomised case series enrolled 20 patients (40 eyes) with severe VKC who were treated with tacrolimus 0.1% ointment. The mean age of the patients was 18.25 ± 4.2 years (range, 9-31 years). Each patient completed a follow-up period of at least 12 months. The main outcome measure was the clinical response to treatment. RESULTS Significant improvements in clinical signs and symptoms were achieved in all patients 6 weeks after starting treatment with topical tacrolimus. Treatment was gradually reduced with increasing intervals between applications. VKC recurred in all patients who attempted to discontinue treatment. No additional medications were required and no significant changes in visual acuity or refraction were documented. Five patients discontinued treatment due to a severe burning sensation and were excluded from the study. CONCLUSION Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment is a safe and effective treatment for VKC refractory to standard treatment and maybe used as a substitute for steroid treatments used to controlled-disease activity. However, adverse effects could cause poor patient compliance.
Authors and Affiliations
Navin Chandra, Suresh Kumar Sinha
Keywords
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- EP ID EP219929
- DOI 10.18410/jebmh/2017/525
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