Topical tacrolimus ointment for treatment of refractory anterior segment inflammatory disorders.
OBJECTIVE
To report 4 cases of patients treated with topical tacrolimus ointment 0.03% for ocular inflammatory conditions refractory to traditional treatment.


METHODS
Four patients were treated topically with tacrolimus 0.03% ointment twice daily: 2 patients with blepharokeratoconjunctivitis, 1 patient with severe atopic keratoconjunctivitis, and 1 patient with chronic follicular conjunctivitis.


RESULTS
Three patients had a dramatic improvement of their ocular condition as early as 2 weeks after starting tacrolimus ointment. One patient developed a herpes simplex virus dendrite after 1 week of tacrolimus use.


CONCLUSIONS
Tacrolimus ointment appears to be an effective alternative for certain ocular inflammatory conditions refractory to traditional treatments. There may be an increased risk of herpes simplex virus keratitis associated with topical use. Our results support previous literature of patients benefiting from topical tacrolimus use.
Joseph
Mark A
MA
West Virginia University, WVU Eye Institute, Morgantown, USA. josephm@rcbhsc.wvu.edu
Kaufman
Herbert E
HE
Insler
Michael
M
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001762:Blepharitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007635:Keratitis, Dendritic / Q000139:chemically induced; D007637:Keratoconjunctivitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009824:Ointments; D016559:Tacrolimus