TACROLIMUS OINTMENT AS MONOTHERAPY IN MANAGEMENT OF MODERATE TO SEVEREREFRACTORY VERNAL KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS.

http://doi.org/10.46536/jpumhs/2023/13.01.387

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction: In the modern era of industrialization and global seasonal change, human health has been

adversely affected. One of its sequels is ocular allergy. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and

safety of (0.03%) tacrolimus skin ointment in patients with moderate to severe refractory vernal

keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). Study Design: Prospective interventional study. Setting & Duration:

Ophthalmology outpatient department (OPD) Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences from 16

February 2019 to 16 August 2021. Material &Methods: 200 patients suffering from moderate to severe

VKC were selected, based on TSSS (Total subjective scoring system) and TOSS total objective scoring

system). The study participants were separated into 2 groups (100 each) withtreatment group

receiving0.03% Tacrolimus ointment while the other receiving conventional therapy. To determine the

effectiveness (measured by the change mostly in clinical condition), a randomised clinical investigation

was carried out and safety (safe treatment from development of any complications or side effects) of

Tacrolimus ointment in comparison with conventional therapy. Result: It was observed that 73% patients

had tarsal form of VKC, 24% had limbal and 3% had mixed (both) types of disease. Every one of the

patients had complete subjective symptom severity ratings (TSSS) and total objective ocular severity

scores (TOSS) which ranged among 2 & 3. Treatment with either 0.03% Tacrolimus or conventional

group was found to be effective in eradicating the symptoms of VKC measured by TSSS scores.

Conclusion: Among the medical therapies used in this study it is found that, Tacrolimus ointment 0.03%

was more nontoxic & actual in eradicating the severity of signs and symptoms of the vernal

keratoconjunctivitis evident by the TSSS and TOSS scores. (ASM allergic systemic

manifestations)rhinitis, asthma and eczema)