Calcineurin inhibitors for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
BACKGROUND
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic disease characterized by periods of remission and relapse. Therapeutic objectives for AD should be to quickly reduce disease symptoms by targeting pathophysiological pathways, and to provide long-term management by reducing recurrences.


OBJECTIVE
Calcineurin inhibitors currently appear to be one of the most promising alternative systemic and topical compounds to treat AD. This review focuses on new developments of topical calcineurin inhibitors, therapeutic regimens including long-term management, and prophylaxis of AD.


METHODS
The published clinical studies that present data on treatment of AD with calcineurin inhibitors were assessed.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus provide an effective treatment for AD. They are useful for long-term management and prophylaxis of AD. Safety concerns with regard to increased risk for lymphomas or skin cancer could not be confirmed but will remain under careful observation.
Ehrchen
Jan
J
University Hospital Münster, Boltzmann-Institute for Cell- and Immunobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Münster, Germany.
Sunderkötter
Cord
C
Luger
Thomas
T
Steinhoff
Martin
M
D000818:Animals; D019703:Calcineurin / Q000378:metabolism; D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D014611:Vaccination
D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D019703:Calcineurin