Efficacy of topical tacrolimus 0.3% in clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment in therapy-resistant cutaneous lupus erythematosus: a cohort study.
BACKGROUND
Despite a range of available topical and systemic therapies, treatment of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) can be challenging. Objectives. To evaluate the efficacy of a specially formulated preparation of tacrolimus 0.3% in clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment (TCPO) in the treatment of CLE.


METHODS
Case notes of 13 patients with treatment-resistant CLE (11 discoid LE, 1 systemic LE and 1 subacute cutaneous LE) who had used twice-daily TCPO (TCPO group) were reviewed. These were compared with five similar patients with resistant CLE who had been given 0.1% tacrolimus ointment alone (TO group).


RESULTS
In the TCPO group (mean treatment duration 20 months, range 1-72), a good or excellent response was seen in five and six patients, respectively; one patient showed slight improvement. Telangiectasia and acne were observed in two patients. No systemic side-effects were noted. In the TO group (mean treatment duration 6 months, range 1-24), one patient showed good improvement and two showed slight improvement.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of our small retrospective study suggest that TCPO may be more effective than either 0.1% tacrolimus or clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment monotherapy in the treatment of recalcitrant CLE. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Madan
V
V
The Dermatology Centre, Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK. vishalmadan@doctors.org.uk
August
P J
PJ
Chalmers
R J G
RJ
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002990:Clobetasol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008178:Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D002990:Clobetasol; D016559:Tacrolimus