The treatment of bovine collagen allergy with cyclosporin.
BACKGROUND
Bovine collagen is currently the most common substance used in soft-tissue augmentation. Although patients should undergo routine skin testing for allergy to bovine collagen prior to treatment, hypersensitivity reactions may rarely still occur. Previously, there have been no reliable methods of treatment for these reactions, and physicians could only reassure patients that the reaction would slowly disappear. OBJECTIVE. The use of oral cyclosporin in a patient with hypersensitivity to bovine collagen was evaluated.


METHODS
A patient with an allergic reaction to implanted bovine collagen was started on cyclosporin 175 mg p.o. bid (5 mg/kg/day) after no improvement was seen after treatment with oral and topical steroids. The cyclosporin was started on Day 23 of the allergic reaction.


RESULTS
Improvement in the itching and redness was noted by Day 28 of the allergic reaction, and complete clinical resolution of the allergic reaction was noted on Day 41. On Day 47, the cyclosporin was stopped without recurrence of symptoms. The patient did not experience side effects from cyclosporin, and her blood pressure and renal function remained normal.


CONCLUSIONS
This case report shows that oral cyclosporin A may be a safe and effective treatment for bovine collagen hypersensitivity.
Baumann
L S
LS
University of Miami Department of Dermatology, Florida, USA.
Kerdel
F
F
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D003094:Collagen / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology*; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000009:adverse effects*
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine; D003094:Collagen