Key clinical point: Topical tacrolimus (TAC; 0.3% and 0.1%) and topical corticosteroids (TCS) of mild and moderate potency were safe and showed a comparable safety profile in young children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD).
Major finding: Skin-related infections ( P = .198), other infections ( P = .498), height ( P = .601), weight ( P = .812), vaccination responses ( P = .620), and serum cortisone levels ( P = .228) were not significantly different between TAC and TCS groups. In both groups, Eczema Area and Severity Index decreased significantly ( P < .0001) and was similar after 36 months ( P = .187).
Study details: Findings are from a 36-month follow-up study including 152 children (age 1-3 years) with moderate-to-severe AD who were randomly assigned to receive TCS creams or TAC ointments (0.03% and 0.1%).
Disclosures: The work was supported by the Pediatric Research Foundation, Helsinki University Hospital, Sigrid Juselius Foundation, and others. The authors declared no conflict of interests.
Source: Salava A et al. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2021 (Nov 19). Doi: 10.1111/ced.15024.