Amer Ejaz.
Safety of short-term cyclosporin in atopic dermatitis.
J Pak Assoc Derma Jan ;15(1):37-41.

Background Cyclosporin is an immunosuppressive drug, which is also being used in dermatology in different indications. Although its toxicity is very high but in low dose and for short term it can be used relatively safely. Patients and methods 25 male and female patients within age group 15-65 (mean 27.1) were selected. There were 11 males (44%) and 14 females (56%). The study was divided into three periods. Pre treatment period comprising the evaluation period. Treatment period of 10 weeks duration in which cyclosporin was given to all patients in a dose of 3-5mg/kg/day. Fortnightly visits were scheduled in which clinical examination and laboratory profiles were evaluated. Post-treatment follow up period of 12 weeks during which adverse effects were monitored. Results Serum creatinine level remained in normal range in all the patients. There was no change in all the other laboratory parameters evaluated. The mean percentage increase over baseline of serum creatinine concentration remained relatively stable throughout the study. No patient was withdrawn from the study because of elevation of serum creatinine. Conclusion Cyclosporin is safe when used in low dose and for short-term therapy.

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