Affiliation:
1. Ziauddin Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
2. RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin 2
3. National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
4. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland—Bahrain, Bahrain
Abstract
Introduction:
Atopic dermatitis remains a widespread problem affecting various populations globally. While numerous treatment options have been employed, pimecrolimus remains a potent and viable option. Recently, there has been increasing interest in comparing the safety and efficacy of pimecrolimus with its vehicle.
Methods:
The authors conducted a comprehensive search of several databases, including PubMed, COCHRANE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central, from inception to May 2022, using a wide search strategy with Boolean operators. The authors also employed backward snowballing to identify any studies missed in the initial search. The authors included randomized controlled trials in our meta-analysis and extracted data from the identified studies. The authors used Review Manager (RevMan) Version 5.4 to analyze the data, selecting a random-effects model due to observed differences in study populations and settings. The authors considered a P-value of 0.05 or lower to be statistically significant.
Results:
The authors initially identified 211 studies, of which 13 randomized controlled trials involving 4180 participants were selected for analysis. Our pooled analysis revealed that pimecrolimus 1% was more effective at reducing the severity of atopic dermatitis than its vehicles. However, no significant difference was observed in adverse effects between pimecrolimus and vehicle, except for pyrexia, nasopharyngitis, and headache, which were increased with pimecrolimus.
Conclusion:
Our meta-analysis showed that pimecrolimus 1% is more effective than vehicle, although the safety profile remains inconclusive. Pimecrolimus reduced the Investigator’s Global Assessment score, Eczema Area and Severity Index score, and severity of pruritus when compared to its vehicle, indicating a higher efficacy profile. This is one of the first meta-analyses to assess the efficacy and safety profile of pimecrolimus 1% against a vehicle and may assist physicians in making informed decisions.
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Reference28 articles.
1. The epidemiology and global burden of atopic dermatitis: a narrative review;Hadi;Life (Basel).,2021
2. The global, regional, and national burden of atopic dermatitis in 195 countries and territories: an ecological study from the global burden of disease study 2017;Urban;JAAD Int,2021
3. Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis: Part 2: management and treatment of atopic dermatitis with topical therapies;Eichenfield;J Am Acad Dermatol,2014
4. Long-term safety and efficacy of tacrolimus ointment for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children;Kang;J Am Acad Dermatol,2001