Tacrolimus in moderate and severeatopic dermatitis treatment. The first clinical experience in Russia

Background. The clinical efficiency and safety of tacrolimus ointment 0,1%, accessible in the Russian market since 2011, in moderate and severe atopic dermatitis (AD) were investigated. The assessment was based on the data of tacrolimus using in routine clinical practice under the registered indication. Methods. There were 19 moderate and 11 severe AD patients under supervision. Treatment with tacrolimus ointment 0,1% was started with twice a day application. Duration of this treatment was from 1 to 4 weeks (18±4,2 days) up to skin clearance. When symptoms were reduced, the frequency of tacrolimus application was reduced as well to once a day daily, and than to twice a week. Generally, improvement was observed within one week of treatment. Clinical efficiency was assessed by SCORAD index and Investigators' Global Assessment (IGA). Results. Positive clinical effect of tacrolimus 0,1% ointment therapy was found in 90% of AD patients resulted in significant reduction of dryness, rushes, skin itch, SCORAD and IGA indexes. Conclusion. Tacrolimus 0,1% ointment is effective and safe for treatment of severe and moderate AD. It should be applied both as exacerbations treatment and as maintenance therapy in AD patients.