2005, Number 4
Effectiveness of topical tacrolimus in the treatment of vitiligo
Prats CI, López de Ayala CE, Herranz PP, Arranz SDM, Corral LM, Casado JM
Language: Spanish
References: 6
Page: 171-174
PDF size: 346.98 Kb.
ABSTRACT
Vitiligo is an acquired, idiopathic disorder characterized by depigmented macules which involves an obvious cosmetic, social and psicological repercussion. Current treatment modalities for the management of vitiligo are multiple but, unfortunatelly, most of cases achieve inconsistent and incomplete responses. Recently, new pharmacolgical agents have been investigated like Tacrolimus. They are more selective, powerful, and with no local adverse side effects. For that reason, these immunosuppressive agents might be an effective therapy for imflamatory skin disorders such as vitiligo. We report our preliminary clinical experience in the managmeent of vitiligo with topical Tacrolimus ointment. We describe three patients with vitiligo affecting the face in two of them, and the face and back of hands in the latest. Tacrolimus 0,1% ointment was applied, twice-daily, in conjuntion with natural sunlight exposure after the application, during fifteen minutes. After several months of treatment, two patients developed complete repigmentation of the face, with no response on back of hands, in one of them. The latest showed a noticeable follicular repigmentation. Repigmentation persists after several months after finishing the therapy. None of the patients had any local adverse effects. In conclusion, Tacrolimus ointment could be a rapidly, efficacious, and safe option for the treatment of vitiligo.Despite the good results achieved by our patients, larger studies that are double-blinded and placebo controlled would be helpful to prove the efficacy of topical tacrolimus in the treatment of vitiligo.REFERENCES
Ahn SK, Choi EH, Lee SH, Won JH, et al. Immunohistochemical studies from vitiligo: comparison between active and inactive lesions. Yonsei Med J 1994;35:404-10. 5. Kino T, Hatanaka H, Miyata S, et al. FK-506, a novel immunosuppressant isolated from a Streptomyces, II: immunosuppressive effect of FK-506 in vitro. J Antibiot 1987;40:1256-65.