Topical tacrolimus for the treatment of external eye inflammation in children

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose To show our results with the use of topical tacrolimus in pediatric patients with anterior segment inflammatory disorders. Methods Retrospective case series review of pediatric patients treated with 0.03% topical tacrolimus ointment into the conjunctival sac once a day. All patients treated between 2015 and 2020 were included. Primary outcome was clinical improvement defined as a reduction in the clinical sign score in the last visit. Secondary outcome was a reduction in the topical steroidal treatment. Results A total of 12 patients with a mean age of 9 years were included. The average follow-up time was 23 months. The mean duration of tacrolimus use was 19.6 months. Clinical improvement was seen in 11 patients (92%) with a significant reduction in the mean clinical score from 4.5 baseline to 0.6 (P= 0.0002) and steroid reduction was achieved in all cases. Two patients stopped tacrolimus during the follow-up period for poor effect. Conclusion The use of topical conjunctival dermatological tacrolimus 0.03% ointment is an effective and safe treatment in children with external eye inflammation. Most of the patients presented clinical improvement and all steroid reduction with its use. The main side effect reported was discomfort with the application.