Management of severe allergic conjunctivitis with topical cyclosporin a 0.05% eyedrops.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of topical cyclosporin A 0.05% in the management of severe allergic conjunctivitis.


METHODS
Seven patients with severe allergic conjunctivitis who were not responding to topical steroids, antihistamines, and mast cell stabilizers were given topical cyclosporin A 0.05%. All patients had an active disease when they were included in the study. Signs and symptoms were recorded before and after treatment.


RESULTS
Seven patients, 6 boys and 1 girl, 6-14 years old, 6 with vernal keratoconjunctivitis and 1 with atopic keratoconjunctivitis, were enrolled in the study. Treatment with topical cyclosporin A 0.05% decreased the severity of symptoms and clinical signs significantly after 6 months (P < 0.05, Wilcoxon signed rank test). In addition, the need for steroids was reduced or even stopped. The patients experienced no side effects during the follow-up periods (mean, 14.0 +/- 2.1 months; range, 8-18 months).


CONCLUSIONS
Topical cyclosporin A is an effective treatment in the management of severe allergic conjunctivitis with a benefit as a steroid-sparing agent.
Ozcan
Altan A
AA
Department of Ophthalmology, Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey. altanoz@cu.edu.tr
Ersoz
T Reha
TR
Dulger
Erol
E
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D016572:Cyclosporine