Long-term use of tacrolimus ointment safe in kids with refractory ocular surface inflammation

Long-term use of topical tacrolimus 0.02% ointment is safe and effective in pediatric patients with refractory ocular surface inflammation, according to a study.

In this retrospective study, a comparison between changes in disease severity and symptoms at baseline and after treatment with topical 0.02% tacrolimus ointment was analyzed in 72 pediatric patients with refractory ocular surface inflammation.

Overall, 25 patients fully recovered and discontinued ointment use before reaching 12 months of treatment and 6 patients discontinued treatment on days 1,5,14,20,26, and 35, respectively, due to an intolerable burning sensation. An additional 7 patients were lost to follow-up.

A total of 34 patients underwent treatment for more than 12 months. All patients showed improved clinical signs and symptoms during the follow-up period. No adverse events were recorded.

Reference
Koh K, Jun I, Kim Ti, et al. Long-term results of topical 0.02% tacrolimus ointment for refractory ocular surface inflammation in pediatric patients. BMC Ophthalmol. 2021; 21:247. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12886-021-01998-0.