Retrospective analysis of pimecrolimus cream 1% for treatment of facial vitiligo.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the effectiveness of pimecrolimus cream 1% used twice daily (BID) for the treatment of facial vitiligo.


METHODS
Patients who had used pimecrolimus cream 1% monotherapy BID for at least 3 months and who had photographs taken at baseline and after initiation of therapy were analyzed in a retrospective study. The total affected surface area (cm2) of facial vitiligo in the baseline and follow-up photographs was compared. The extent of facial depigmentation was scored using a 7-point scale (0 = no disease to 6 = 100% involvement).


RESULTS
Eight patients met study entry criteria. Mean time from initiation of treatment to the final follow-up visit was 11 months (SD +/- 7.5 months). Mean affected surface area at baseline and follow-up were 79.40 cm2 and 17.96 cm2, respectively, (P = .012) with a mean percent improvement 72.5% (SD +/- 20.4%). Mean depigmentation score decreased from 2.8 at baseline to 1.4 at follow-up. No adverse events were reported.


CONCLUSIONS
Pimecrolimus cream 1% may be a viable alternative to current therapies for the treatment of facial vitiligo.
FlorMayoral@aol.com
Flor A
FA
Mayoral
Janelle M
JM
Vega
Henry
H
Stavisky
Calogera L
CL
McCormick
Anne
A
Parneix-Spake
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D009824:Ointments; C117268:pimecrolimus; D016559:Tacrolimus