The Safety and Effectiveness of 0.03% Tacrolimus in Pediatric Patients Presenting with Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis in Children Hospital, Multan

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of tacrolimus (0.03%) ointment in treating pediatric patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
Study Design: A prospective, interventional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital and The Institute of Child Health Multan, Pakistan over one year from February 2021 to February 2022.
Methods: The research involved sixty pediatric patients who had bilateral vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Patients in the tacrolimus cohort were treated with 0.03 percent tacrolimus ointment two times daily for 60 days, followed by a single application daily for 60 days, and once on alternate days for the next two months. The control group got topical fluorometholone 0.1% drops in their eyes for two weeks, after which the amount given was gradually lowered for another two weeks. During the subsequent follow-up time frame, both groups received topical olopatadine 0.1% drops for the eyes twice daily. Modifications to symptoms and signs were documented among the groups to measure the success of therapy, and their severity was rated using a four-point scale.
Results: During the follow-up period, 60 children with bilateral VKC were observed, and the mean age of both groups was similar. Papillary hypertrophy and conjunctival hyperemia were the most common signs, while itching was the most frequently reported symptom. After treatment, Symptoms and signs decreased significantly in both of the groups. However, at three and six months, the group treated with 0.03 percent tacrolimus ointment showed a more notable improvement in symptom and sign scores. The tacrolimus group tolerated the treatment well, with only a few complaining of a stinging sensation. The control group experienced one incidence of elevated intraocular pressure.
Conclusion: 0.03% tacrolimus ointment is an effective and secure therapy for vernal keratoconjunctivitis in young individuals. This different treatment technique may help and lower the likelihood of steroid-related problems in patients with chronic VKC.

How to cite this: Chaudhary MA, Ullah MS, Tahir MY, Khan R, Haider SM. The Safety and Effectiveness of 0.03% Tacrolimus in Pediatric Patients Presenting with Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis in Children Hospital, Multan. Life and Science. 2025; 6(1): 116-121. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.650