Abstract:

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of different courses of topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment in facial corticosteroid-dependent dermatitis and to observe the rebound in patients after treatment with these regimens. Methods A total of 104 patients with facial corticosteroid-dependent dermatitis were randomly divided into 3 groups to be treated with topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment twice daily for 4, 8 and 16 weeks respectively. The patients were followed up every 2 weeks within the early 4 weeks of treatment and every 4 weeks thereafter. The rebound phenomena was observed in patients on week 4 after the withdrawal of tacrolimus. Results Finally, 90 patients completed this trial, including 32 patients in the 4-week group, 29 patients in the 8-week group and 29 patients in the 16-week group. No significant differences were observed between the 4-, 8- and 16-week groups in the total reponse rate （75.00%, 82.76%, 86.21%, respectively, ?字2 =1.35, P > 0.05）. The rebound rate in the 16-week group significantly differed from that in the 4- and 8-week group （20.69% vs. 46.88% and 41.38%, both P < 0.05）, while no statistical difference was noted between the 4- and 8-week groups. Local burning and itching were reported in 31.73% of these patients, and all of these irritant reactions occurred within the first week of treatment. Conclusions Topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment is safe and effective for the treatment of facial corticosteroid-dependent dermatitis. The total response rate does not increase with the extended treatment course, and 4 weeks of treatment is enough for the marked and stable improvement of facial corticosteroid-dependent dermatitis, but the rebound rate is likely to be reduced by extended treatment course.

Key words: Tacrolimus