An open-label efficacy pilot study with pimecrolimus cream 1% in adults with facial seborrhoeic dermatitis infected with HIV.
BACKGROUND
Seborrhoeic dermatitis (SD) is a common dermatosis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients, many of whom do not respond satisfactorily to conventional topical treatments such as corticosteroids and antifungals.


OBJECTIVE
A pilot study to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of pimecrolimus cream 1% in HIV-positive patients with facial SD.


METHODS
In a single-centre study, 21 HIV-infected patients with mild to severe SD were treated twice daily with pimecrolimus cream 1% for 14 days. Thereafter, treatment was discontinued and patients followed up for 5 weeks. Skin involvement at baseline and on days 7, 14, 21, 35 and 49 was assessed using a four-point clinical score and digital photography.


METHODS
Efficacy and safety of pimecrolimus cream 1% treatment and incidence of relapse in the follow-up phase. Results Marked improvement was seen in clinical parameters at day 7, with >or= 90% patients clear of symptoms at day 14. Relapse was observed at day 35 but signs were milder than at baseline. All patients responded to therapy, despite their immunological status. Pimecrolimus did not alter CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell counts or viral load during the treatment period.


CONCLUSIONS
Pimecrolimus cream represents a new, effective therapeutic option for facial SD in HIV patients.
de Moraes
A P
AP
São José Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Ceará, Brazil. andypmoraes@yahoo.com.br
de Arruda
E A G
EA
Vitoriano
M A V
MA
de Moraes Filho
M O
MO
Bezerra
F A F
FA
de Magalhães Holanda
E
E
de Moraes
M E A
ME
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D012628:Dermatitis, Seborrheic / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012008:Recurrence; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D009824:Ointments; C117268:pimecrolimus; D016559:Tacrolimus