Ocular signs, symptoms and tear function tests of papulopustular rosacea patients receiving azithromycin.
BACKGROUND
Tetracycline derivatives provide moderate benefit in the treatment of ocular rosacea. Recently, azithromycin has been found to be an effective alternative in the treatment of cutaneous papulopustular rosacea.


OBJECTIVE
We planned a study to evaluate the effects of azithromycin on ocular symptoms, signs and tear function tests of papulopustular rosacea patients.


METHODS
An open-labelled study was performed in a population of 20 papulopustular rosacea patients.


RESULTS
Eighteen subjects completed the trial. Significant improvement was seen in ocular symptoms, eyelid findings and conjunctival hyperaemia scores (P = 0.002, P < 0.0001, and P = 0.005, respectively). Therapeutic benefit was not observed in ocular surface staining scores. Baseline values of Schirmer test results were within normal limits. No significant side-effects were observed. Limitations The study population is limited to dermatology patients who had been referred to the ophthalmology clinic.


CONCLUSIONS
Azithromycin may be a new promising therapeutic alternative in ocular rosacea.
Bakar
O
O
Department of Dermatology, Acibadem Kozyatagi Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. ozgurtimurkaynak@hotmail.com
Demircay
Z
Z
Toker
E
E
Cakir
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017963:Azithromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005123:Eye / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012393:Rosacea / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013666:Tears
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D017963:Azithromycin