Onset of action of pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of atopic eczema in infants

Data on the efficacy of pimecrolimus cream 1% within the first days of treatment are scarce, as in previous studies, the first postbaseline assessment was performed only after 1 week. We sought to investigate the onset of action of pimecrolimus cream 1% in infants with mild to very severe atopic eczema. We used pimecrolimus cream 1% (n = 129) or vehicle cream (n = 66) administered in a double-blind manner for 4 weeks and then open-label pimecrolimus cream 1% for 12 weeks, with a 4-week follow-up period. Pimecrolimus cream 1% reduced the mean Eczema Area and Severity Index at 4 weeks by 71.5% compared with an increase of 19.4% with vehicle (P <. 001). The reduction in the Eczema Area and Severity Index with pimecrolimus cream 1% was significant at day 4 (38.5% vs 17.6% increase with vehicle). Significant improvements in caregivers' assessments of pruritus and sleep loss were observed with pimecrolimus cream 1% by day 2 (P <. 03) and day 3 (P =. 002), respectively, compared with vehicle. Responses to pimecrolimus cream 1% were sustained during the open-label phase, and pimecrolimus cream 1% was well tolerated. Symptoms of atopic eczema returned gradually after discontinuation. Pimecrolimus cream 1% was well tolerated and effective in patients with mild to very severe atopic eczema, with rapid onset of action and no disease rebound after discontinuation.