Abstract: Objective To evaluate efficacy and safety of topical pimecrolimus (SDZ ASM 981) for atopic dermatitis. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCT) were identified from the Cochrane Library(issue 2, 2007)，Medline(1966～2007)，Embase(1974～2007) and CBM(1978～2007). RCT comparing pimecrolimus with vehicle or corticosteroids or tacrolimus were included. Two reviewers independently assessed trials quality and extracted date.The RevMan software was used for statistical analysis. Results Seventeen randomized controlled trials involving 4290 patients were included, with all trials of high methodological quality. Meta-analysis indicated that 0. 1% pimecrolimus was more effective than vehicle with odds ratio of 2.87 [95% CI(2.21，3.73), P <0.001].0.1% pimecrolimus was less effective than 0.1% betamethasone valerate with odds ratio of 0.15 [95% CI(0.05，0.47), P <0.001 ].0.1% pimecrolimus and 0.03% tacrolimus had the same curative effect with odds ratio of 0.74 [ 95% CI(0.39，1.37) ,P=0.33 ] .No serious adverse effects were identified. Conclusions Topical pimecrolimus for atopic dermatitis is more effective than vehicle but less effective than topical potent corticosteroids. 0.1% pimecrolimus and 0.03% tacrolimus had the same curative effect. Pimecrolimus tends to improve EASI scores, pruritus scores as well as quality of life scores.