CsA CE Eye Drops Evaluated in Children for Severe VKC

Children treated with 0.1% cyclosporine A cationic emulsion (CsA CE) eye drops either 2 or 4 times a day experienced significantly improved severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) signs when compared with vehicle over a 4-month period, researchers reported during the 2018 World Ophthalmology Congress in Barcelona. 

Investigators presented results from the phase III VEKTIS study. Among their findings: 

• Symptoms improved in both dosage groups over 4 months, with the most significant improvement occurring during the first month. 
• Patients who received CsA CE 4 times daily experienced greater improvement compared with vehicle at months 1, 2 and 4 for photophobia; months 2 and 4 for tearing; and all 4 months for itching and mucous discharge. 
• Those who received it twice daily experienced improvement in photophobia, itching, tearing at month 2, and itching at month 3. 
• When symptom response was assessed at month 4, significant improvement was seen in all 4 symptom areas in patients who received CsA CE 4 times a day. 
• Improvement was seen in patients who received the medication twice a day in the areas of photophobia, tearing, and itching. 
• Patients who continued regular treatment beyond month 4 saw additional improvement. 
• Those who used it intermittently after month 4 experienced worsening symptom scores.  

Leonardi A. Symptom improvement in severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis patients treated with cyclosporine A cationic emulsion: VEKTIS. Poster presented at: 2018 World Ophthalmology Congress; June 16-19, 2018; Barcelona, Spain. https://www.wocabstracts.org/index.cfm?do=ev.viewEv&ev=4892.