Key clinical point: Topical treatment with tacrolimus vs hydrocortisone was more efficacious in reducing inflammatory marker levels and had a better safety profile in children with atopic dermatitis (AD).
Major finding: After 3 weeks, patients receiving tacrolimus vs hydrocortisone showed a significantly greater decrease in the mean serum levels of IL-10 ( P = .05), IL-17 ( P = .021), and IL-23 ( P = .03), lower rates of skin atrophy ( P < .05), and higher but manageable incidences of mild-to-moderate transient stinging and erythema ( P < .05).
Study details: Findings are from a prospective randomized clinical trial including 200 children with AD (age 2-16 years) who were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 0.03% topical tacrolimus ointment or 1% hydrocortisone cream twice daily.
Disclosures: This study did not disclose any funding source. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Source: Mohamed AA et al. A comparative randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus versus hydrocortisone as a topical treatment of atopic dermatitis in children. Front Pharmacol. 2023;14:1202325 (Sep 20). doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1202325