Efficacy of topical cyclosporin A 0.05% in conjunctival impression cytology specimens and clinical findings of severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis in children.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of topical cyclosporin A 0.05% in managing the symptoms of severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC).

METHODS

Fifty-four children with severe VKC were included in this study. All 54 patients were treated with topical cyclosporin A (CsA) 0.05% for 3 months. Ocular signs and symptoms were scored in all patients at entry and after 3 months. Conjunctival impression cytology specimens were examined on the day of enrollment and at the end of the treatment period.

RESULTS

The mean scores for severity of signs and symptoms significantly decreased after 3 months compared with those at entry (P<0.001). The density of inflammatory cells in the conjunctival impression cytology specimens decreased significantly. No side effects of the treatment with CsA 0.05% eyedrops were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical CsA 0.05% eyedrops were found to be safe and effective in the treatment of patients with VKC. Consistent with these results, topical CsA may efficiently reduce conjunctival inflammation in severe VKC.