Efficacy of single dose dermatological 0.1% tacrolimus Ointment in the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis

Authors

  • Muhammad Sharjeel Department of Ophthalmology, Mufti Mehmood Teaching Hospital, Gomal Medical College, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
  • Usama Iqbal Department of Ophthalmology, DHQ Teaching Hospital, Gujranwala Medical College, Gujranwala, Pakistan
  • Aamna Jabran Department of Ophthalmology, DHQ Teaching Hospital, Gujranwala Medical College, Gujranwala, Pakistan
  • Asif Mehmood Department of Ophthalmology, Rehman Medical College, khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
  • Memona Mohiuddin College of Optometry and Allied Vision Sciences, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.3541

Abstract

Objective: To assess the safety of dermatological 0.1% tacrolimus ointment when used topically and its efficacy in the treatment of vernal keratoconvinctivtis.

Method: The quasi-experimental, multi-centre study was conducted at the Gujranwala Medical College/District Headquarters Teaching Hospital, Gujranwala, and the Gomal Medial College/Mufti Mehmood Teaching Hospital, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, from July 2019 to March 2020, and comprised patients of severe vernal keratoconvinctivtis. Symptoms and clinical signs were graded on a pre-devised scale. Patients were given small amount of tacrolimus 0.1% ointment applied to the inferior conjunctival fornix before going to bed. The duration of treatment was 3 months and the patients were followed up for up to 6 months. Data was analysed using SPSS 20.

Results: Of the 50 patients, 30(60%) were males and 20(40%) were females. The overall mean age was 10.64±3.199 years. Mean symptom score and clinical signs score gradually reduced on each follow-up (p<0.05). Mild recurrence was noted in 12(24%) patients who were managed with lubricants and anti-histamine topical drops. No complication was noted.

Conclusion: Tacrolimus 0.1% was found to be effective and safe in the treatment of severe refractory vernal keratoconvinctivtis even when given once a day.

Clinical Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Id: ChiCTR2000031929 link: www.chictr.org.cn/hvshowproject.aspx?id=28053

Key Words: Allergic, Conjunctivitis, Tacrolimus, Topical administration, Anti-allergic agents, Dermatologic agents, Efficacy.

Author Biographies

Muhammad Sharjeel, Department of Ophthalmology, Mufti Mehmood Teaching Hospital, Gomal Medical College, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan

Assistant Professor

Aamna Jabran, Department of Ophthalmology, DHQ Teaching Hospital, Gujranwala Medical College, Gujranwala, Pakistan

Assistant Professor

Asif Mehmood, Department of Ophthalmology, Rehman Medical College, khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Assistant professor

Memona Mohiuddin, College of Optometry and Allied Vision Sciences, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan

optometerist

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Published

2022-08-15

How to Cite

Sharjeel, M., Iqbal, U., Jabran, A., Mehmood, A., & Mohiuddin, M. (2022). Efficacy of single dose dermatological 0.1% tacrolimus Ointment in the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 72(9), 1694–1698. https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.3541

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Original Article