The value of pimecrolimus in improving quality of life of children with severe eczema — an open non-randomised study

Background: Atopic eczema is a common skin condition. It has the potential to severely impair quality of life in affected children. Pimecrolimus is currently registered for mild-moderate eczema but in clinical practice children with more severe disease are often treated with this therapy in an attem...

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Main Authors: Omolemo Kitchin, Refiloe Masekela, Teshni Moodley, Robin Green
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AOSIS 2010-02-01
Series:South African Family Practice
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Online Access:https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/1356
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author Omolemo Kitchin
Refiloe Masekela
Teshni Moodley
Robin Green
author_facet Omolemo Kitchin
Refiloe Masekela
Teshni Moodley
Robin Green
author_sort Omolemo Kitchin
collection DOAJ
description Background: Atopic eczema is a common skin condition. It has the potential to severely impair quality of life in affected children. Pimecrolimus is currently registered for mild-moderate eczema but in clinical practice children with more severe disease are often treated with this therapy in an attempt to find a safe addition to long-term topical corticosteroid usage. The aim of this study was to test the value of pimecrolimus in improving quality of life in children with severe atopic eczema. Methods: This a single site, phase 4, non-randomised, open label trial of pimecrolimus use in children aged 4 months to 12 years living with moderate to very severe atopic eczema. The study was conducted at Steve Biko Academic Hospital. Patients with unsatisfactorily controlled disease despite conventional topical therapy, adequate use of emollients, allergen avoidance and non-pharmacological skin hygiene were enrolled. A Parent Index Quality of Life Questionnaire was completed by parents before and three months after using pimecrolimus. Results: A total of 24 patients were recruited, 20 of whom completed the study. Ninety per cent of patients had co-morbid asthma and allergic rhinitis. The Parent Index Quality of Life demonstrated a mean 33% score improvement after the use of pimecrolimus. There was an attendant reduction in cost of therapy to these patients. Conclusions: Pimecrolimus usage should be extended to patients with more severe atopic eczema as the improvement in quality of life is important and demonstrable.
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spelling doaj-art-14ccebe64da042a7bf9290c49d8047592025-08-20T03:43:47ZengAOSISSouth African Family Practice2078-61902078-62042010-02-0152110.1080/20786204.2010.108739391151The value of pimecrolimus in improving quality of life of children with severe eczema — an open non-randomised studyOmolemo Kitchin0Refiloe Masekela1Teshni Moodley2Robin Green3University of PretoriaUniversity of PretoriaUniversity of PretoriaUniversity of PretoriaBackground: Atopic eczema is a common skin condition. It has the potential to severely impair quality of life in affected children. Pimecrolimus is currently registered for mild-moderate eczema but in clinical practice children with more severe disease are often treated with this therapy in an attempt to find a safe addition to long-term topical corticosteroid usage. The aim of this study was to test the value of pimecrolimus in improving quality of life in children with severe atopic eczema. Methods: This a single site, phase 4, non-randomised, open label trial of pimecrolimus use in children aged 4 months to 12 years living with moderate to very severe atopic eczema. The study was conducted at Steve Biko Academic Hospital. Patients with unsatisfactorily controlled disease despite conventional topical therapy, adequate use of emollients, allergen avoidance and non-pharmacological skin hygiene were enrolled. A Parent Index Quality of Life Questionnaire was completed by parents before and three months after using pimecrolimus. Results: A total of 24 patients were recruited, 20 of whom completed the study. Ninety per cent of patients had co-morbid asthma and allergic rhinitis. The Parent Index Quality of Life demonstrated a mean 33% score improvement after the use of pimecrolimus. There was an attendant reduction in cost of therapy to these patients. Conclusions: Pimecrolimus usage should be extended to patients with more severe atopic eczema as the improvement in quality of life is important and demonstrable.https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/1356severe eczematopical steroidscalcineurin inhibitorspimecrolimusquality of life
spellingShingle Omolemo Kitchin
Refiloe Masekela
Teshni Moodley
Robin Green
The value of pimecrolimus in improving quality of life of children with severe eczema — an open non-randomised study
South African Family Practice
severe eczema
topical steroids
calcineurin inhibitors
pimecrolimus
quality of life
title The value of pimecrolimus in improving quality of life of children with severe eczema — an open non-randomised study
title_full The value of pimecrolimus in improving quality of life of children with severe eczema — an open non-randomised study
title_fullStr The value of pimecrolimus in improving quality of life of children with severe eczema — an open non-randomised study
title_full_unstemmed The value of pimecrolimus in improving quality of life of children with severe eczema — an open non-randomised study
title_short The value of pimecrolimus in improving quality of life of children with severe eczema — an open non-randomised study
title_sort value of pimecrolimus in improving quality of life of children with severe eczema an open non randomised study
topic severe eczema
topical steroids
calcineurin inhibitors
pimecrolimus
quality of life
url https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/1356
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