title: Evaluation of the antipruritic effects of topical pimecrolimus in non-atopic prurigo nodularis: results of a randomized, hydrocortisone-controlled, double-blind phase II trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In the treatment of atopic dermatitis, pimecrolimus has high antipruritic effects.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the efficacy of 1% pimecrolimus cream in comparison to 1% hydrocortisone cream in non-atopic prurigo nodularis (PN).
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomized, controlled, double-blind study with intraindividual randomization was done in 30 patients (17 females, 13 males; mean age 58.5 years) with PN.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Pruritus intensity decreased significantly (p < 0.001) on both treated sides as early as after 10 days of treatment; scratch lesions improved (p < 0.001). Quality of life as assessed by the Dermatology Life Quality Index improved significantly. However, a significant advantage of pimecrolimus over hydrocortisone was not found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that the non-steroid pimecrolimus is an effective alternative for PN treatment.
authors.affiliation: Competence Center Chronic Pruritus, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany.
authors.forename: Dorothee
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Siepmann
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lotts
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Blome
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Braeutigam
authors.forename: Ngoc Quan
authors.initials: NQ
authors.lastname: Phan
authors.forename: Trude
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Butterfass-Bahloul
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Augustin
authors.forename: Thomas A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Luger
authors.forename: Sonja
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ständer
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / Q000378:metabolism; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D011536:Prurigo / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D011537:Pruritus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D011788:Quality of Life; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D009479:Neuropeptides; C117268:pimecrolimus; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D016559:Tacrolimus