Clinical Ophthalmology (Oct 2022)
Efficacy and Safety of 0.1% Cyclosporine versus 2% Cyclosporine in the Treatment of Severe Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis in Children
Abstract
Tristan Bourcier,1 Anne Dory,2 Lea Dormegny,1 Joffrey Alcazar,1 David Gaucher,1 Arnaud Sauer1 1Department of Ophthalmology, Strasbourg University Hospital, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; 2Pharmacy, Strasbourg University Hospital, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, FranceCorrespondence: Arnaud Sauer, Department of Ophthalmology, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg University Hospital, BP426, Strasbourg, 67091, France, Email [email protected]: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is an inflammatory condition in children that can cause severe eye complications. Treatment is based on corticosteroid therapy during flare-ups, then antihistamines and cyclosporine in calmer periods. The dosage and posology of cyclosporine are subject to debate.Methods: The aim of the study is to compare the evolution in symptomatic and clinical scores, and need for topical corticosteroid treatment in a population of children with severe VKC treated with two dosages of cyclosporine treatment (0.1% and 2%). Data were compiled on inclusion then every three months from March, with a total follow-up duration of 12 months. Data concerning patient evolutions and complications were collected for the two treatment groups.Results: The mean age of the 46 children was 8.8 ± 2.4 years with age at onset of symptoms of 5.1 ± 0.9 years. The cohort was predominantly (65%) male. Corticosteroid dependence on inclusion was present in 52% of the children included. A significant improvement in the various symptomatic and clinical scores was observed following treatment with cyclosporine (0.1% and 2%). Use of topical corticosteroid treatment reduced from 19 drops per month on inclusion to 4 drops per month at 12 months. Safety was comparable for the two groups.Conclusion: Treatments with cyclosporine 0.1% and 2% lead to a favourable evolution in clinical and symptomatic scores and reduced corticosteroid use. Cyclosporine 0.1% is an interesting alternative to the 2% dosage, particularly due to its availability and ease of handling.Keywords: cyclosporine, vernal keratoconjunctivitis
