Title of article :
Efficacy, Safety and Steroid-sparing Effect of Topical Cyclosporine A 0.05% for Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis in Indian Children
Author/Authors :
Chatterjee, Arkendu NRS Medical College & Hospital - Kolkata - India , Bandyopadhyay, Sabyasachi R.G.Kar Medical College & Hospital - Kolkata - India , Kumar Bandyopadhyay, Samir NRS Medical College & Hospital - Kolkata - India
Abstract :
Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and steroid-sparing effect of topical cyclosporine A (Cs A) 0.05% in patients with moderate to severe steroid dependent vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC).
Methods: A prospective, comparative, placebo controlled study was carried out on 68 VKC patients, with
34 patients treated with topical Cs A 0.05% and the remaining 34 with topical carboxymethyl cellulose 0.5%
(placebo). Both groups also received topical loteprednol etabonate 0.5%. Symptom (itching, photophobia,
tearing, and discharge) score, sign (tarsal and limbal papillae, corneal involvement, and conjunctival
hyperemia) score, and drug score (steroid drop usage/day/eye) were recorded at baseline and each followup visit. The intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement and evaluation of any ocular side effects were carried
out.
Results: Significant reduction in symptom score and sign score was seen in both groups. Cs A group
significantly showed more reduction in symptom (P < 0.0001 in all follow-up visits) and sign (P < 0.0001
in all follow-up visits) scores compared to the placebo group. At day 7, mean steroid usage reduced from 4
to 3.44 ± 0.5 and 3.79 ± 0.4 in Cs A and placebo groups, respectively (P < 0.0001). Steroid drops completely
stopped in 21 patients at day 60 in the Cs A group compared to none in the placebo group. No significant rise in IOP or any side effects were noted in either group.
Conclusion: Topical Cs A 0.05% is effective and safe in patients with moderate to severe VKC with good steroid-sparing effect.
Keywords :
Allergic Conjunctivitis , Intraocular Pressure , Topical Cyclosporine A , Topical Loteprednol Etabonate , Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis
Journal title :
Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research