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- Title
Occlusive Treatment Enhances Efficacy of Tacrolimus 0.1% Ointment in Adult Patients with Vitiligo: Results of a Placebo-controlled 12-month Prospective Study.
- Authors
Hartmann, Anke; Brocker, Eva-Bettina; Hamm, Henning
- Abstract
Topical tacrolimus was recently introduced as a novel therapeutic option in vitiligo. Excellent results were seen mainly on the face and neck areas. We treated 30 adult vitiligo patients with tacrolimus 0.1% ointment twice daily, and compared the results with those of placebo ointment. In 20 patients, defined areas on the right arm or leg were occluded overnight with 3 different dressings. Repigmentation was evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively. Quality of life changes were assessed with the Dermatology Life Quality Index. After 6 months, treatment was stopped in 7 of 30 patients as they did not show any repigmentation, 5 of them had no occlusive therapy. After 12 months, 17 of 21 patients (81%) with facial involvement showed repigmentation of the face. Although no or minimal repigmentation occurred on the extremities when using tacrolimus ointment alone, 80% of the patients showed repigmentation on the arms when using additional occlusive, especially hydrocolloid dressings. Hands, feet and lower legs were unresponsive. The best results were obtained in patients with long-standing vitiligo. Only minimal side-effects were noted. There was no significant elevation in tacrolimus blood levels, taking into account that occlusion was performed only on limited parts of the body. In conclusion, tacrolimus 0.1% ointment proved an effective and safe treatment option for adult patients with vitiligo. Beyond the face and neck areas, repigmentation could be achieved only by additional occlusion.
- Subjects
TACROLIMUS; PLACEBOS; PIGMENTATION disorders; SKIN diseases; HYDROCOLLOIDS; QUALITY of life
- Publication
Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 2008, Vol 88, Issue 5, p474
- ISSN
0001-5555
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.2340/00015555-0464