Drug survival of cyclosporine in the treatment of hand eczema: a multicentre, daily use study. (2nd March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Christoffers, W.A.; Politiek, K.; Coenraads, P.J.; van der Schaft, J.; de Bruin‐Weller, M.S.; Schuttelaar, M.L.A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. Volume 30:Number 1(2016:Jan.)
• Page Start: 63
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2015-03-02
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/jdv.13057
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0926-9959

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Hand eczema is a common condition; it is often chronic and can be difficult to treat. Cyclosporine is used off‐label to treat severe hand eczema; however, the evidence for this treatment is scarce. Objective: To examine the drug survival of cyclosporine in a daily practice cohort of patients with chronic hand eczema. Methods: This retrospective daily use study included hand eczema patients who were treated with cyclosporine between 01‐06‐1999 and 01‐06‐2014 in two Dutch university hospitals. Patient and treatment characteristics were retrospectively collected from medical charts. First treatment episodes were analysed by means of Kaplan–Meier drug survival curves. Possible determinants of drug survival were analysed by Cox regression models. Treatment effectiveness was analysed with a retrospective physician's global assessment. Results: A total of 102 patients were treated with cyclosporine. The median drug survival rate was 0.86 years (10.3 months). The overall drug survival rate after 6 months, 1, 2 and 3 years were 61.7%, 45.2%, 18.6% and 13.9% respectively. Main reasons for discontinuation were adverse events, especially early in treatment, and ineffectiveness. After 3 months, a good response to treatment was recorded in 62.9% of the patients. Conclusion: Cyclosporine had a median drug survival of 10.3 months. Especially patients with recurrent vesicular hand eczema showed a good treatment response.