| Presentation preference | Oral presentation |
| Title | Two-year experience of an Italian referral center on the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis with 0.1% cyclosporin cationic emulsion eye drops |
| Purpose | Different concentrations of galenic cyclosporin (CsA) eye drops have been implied for the treatment of severe forms of vernal kerato-conjunctivitis (VKC). We aimed at analyzing efficacy and tolerability of 0.1% CsA cationic emulsion eye drops (Verkazia®, Santen) since its recent introduction on the Italian market. |
| Methods | We enrolled 63 patients (126 eyes) suffering from severe VKC forms, 49 males and 14 females, mean age 5 years ±3 months. Diagnosis was made according to EAACI guidelines: evidence of Trantas nodules (70 eyes) or conjunctival giant papillae (56 eyes), exacerbation of symptoms during spring/summer. We prescribed on-label 0.1% CsA cationic emulsion treatment QID for 6 months ±23 days. We recorded QoL questionnaire, patient’s satisfaction with treatment, main signs and symptoms and their regression with CsA treatment and the need of additional local steroids during acute phases. |
| Results | 63% of our patients registered a full satisfaction with this treatment related to regression of symptoms and signs and to a return to normal daily activities. 27% of them recorded a partial remission of VKC signs and symptoms and needed an additional dexamethasone eye drops therapy (mean duration 5 + 2 days per month). |
| Conclusion | Our results show an overall satisfaction and regression of symptoms and signs in >90% of eyes affected by VKC with on-label 0.1% CsA eye drops. Only few cases needed dexamethasone rescue local treatment in acute phases. CsA eye drops were well tolerated, moreover patients reported a full agreement on the easy way to obtain the drug from the hospital pharmacy and the full coverage of the Italian health system of the drug cost. |
| Conflict of interest | No |
Authors 1
| Last name | ALLEGRI |
| Initials of first name(s) | P |
| Department | Allergic Conjunctivitis Referral Center, Rapallo Hospital |
| City | Rapallo |
| Country | Italy |
Authors 2
| Last name | RISSOTTO |
| Initials of first name(s) | R |
| Department | Eye Clinic San Paolo Hospital |
| City | Milan |
| Country | Italy |
Authors 3
| Last name | RISSOTTO |
| Initials of first name(s) | F |
| Department | Uveitis Clinic San Raffaele Hospital |
| City | Milan |
| Country | Italy |
Authors 4
| Last name | CIURLO |
| Initials of first name(s) | C |
| Department | Allergic Conjunctivitis Referral Center, Rapallo Hospital |
| City | Rapallo |
| Country | Italy |
