The value of topical immunosuppressors in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children

: The use of topical immunosuppressors during treatment of atopic dermatitis is an important innovation that reinforces the therapeutic arsenal in this chronic disease in children. Two products have been studied in depth: tacrolimus, which exists in pomade form at a concentration of 0.1 and 0.03% under the trademark Protopic. It is the 0.03% concentration that has been studied in children and obtained official indication in children aged over 2. Pimecrolimus marketed under the trademark Elidel in the form of a 1% cream has also been studied in depth and obtained European marketing authorisation for prescription in children aged over 2. Unfortunately it is not yet available in France, although it is marketed in nearly all countries worldwide. These products decrease the production of cytokines by the T-cell lymphocytes when stimulated by the antigen. This effect is produced by the inhibition of calcineurine. The clinical efficacy of these two products has been demonstrated in many studies in the United States and in Europe. Short term efficacy has been demonstrated in comparisons versus a placebo or versus grade 2 or 3 corticosteroids. Longer term studies (6 months to one year) have confirmed the efficacy. Short-term tolerance to these new treatments has been shown, although, as with any new product, the long-term results are unknown. Nevertheless, tolerance studies after more than 4 years' use exist. The side effects most often reported are local, erythema-like at the start of treatment with burning and pruritus. There has been no significant increase in the number of bacterial and viral infections compared with control groups. Doubt remains regarding viral infections of herpetic origin, notably Kaposi-Juliusberg's disease, although no significant difference has been observed compared with the placebo-treated. No systemic impact has been reported with these two products or inhibition of the effect of vaccinations made in infants or children. However, care should be taken: not to use the products in patients with a history of Kaposi-Juliusberg's disease and any contact with a patient exhibiting herpes should be avoided; the photoprotection measures should be respected as instructed in the patient insert for the use of tacrolimus.