title: Efficacy and safety of topical cyclosporine A 0.05% in vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  While corticosteroids are an effective choice of treatment for severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), their long-term use is restricted due to side effects. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical cyclosporine A (CsA) 0.05% in the treatment of VKC.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 30 patients with VKC that was resistant to topical corticosteroids, antihistamines and mast cell stabilisers were treated with topical CsA 0.05%. Patients were evaluated at Weeks 4, 8 and 12 after the initiation of therapy. Symptoms and signs observed before and after treatment were recorded and scores were assigned. Scores for symptoms and signs, the need for topical corticosteroids and ocular side effects were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At baseline, the median values of the symptom and sign scores were 10.0 (range 5.0-18.0) and 6.0 (range 2.0-13.0), respectively. At Week 4 of treatment with topical CsA 0.05%, the median values of the symptom and sign scores were 3.0 (range 0-14.0) and 3.0 (range 0-8.0), respectively. The reductions in the symptom and sign scores were statistically significant. The reduction in the need for corticosteroid was statistically significant by Week 12 of therapy. No significant side effects were reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Topical CsA 0.05%, which can help to reduce corticosteroid usage, is an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of resistant VKC. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal duration of therapy and possibility of recurrence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Ondokuz Mayis University Medical Faculty, Samsun, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ozlem Eski
authors.initials: OE
authors.lastname: Yücel
authors.affiliation: Clinics of Ophthalmology, Eskisehir State Hospital, Eskişehir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Nihal Demir
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Ulus
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005123:Eye / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine
keywords: allergic conjunctivitis; cyclosporine A; restasis; vernal keratoconjunctivitis