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
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