Long-term treatment of atopic dermatitis with pimecrolimus cream 1% in infants does not interfere with the development of protective antibodies after vaccination.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether treatment of atopic dermatitis with pimecrolimus cream 1% in infants affects the development of a normal antibody response to vaccinations.

METHODS

In all, 91 patients participated in a 1-year, open-label extension to a 1-year double-blind study: 76 used pimecrolimus twice daily at the first signs or symptoms of the disease until clearance for 2 years and 15 only in the second year. Serum concentrations of antibodies against tetanus, diphtheria, measles, and rubella were measured at months 18 and 24.

RESULTS

The seropositivity rates of 93.6% for tetanus, 88.6% for diphtheria, 88.5% for measles, and 84.4% for rubella were comparable with those reported in literature. Seropositivity was not significantly affected by the use of pimecrolimus at the time of vaccinations (+/- 28 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of atopic dermatitis with pimecrolimus cream 1% in early childhood does not appear to interfere with the development of a normal immune response to vaccinations.