Premium
Topical Pimecrolimus 1% for the Treatment of Pruritic External Auditory Canals
Author(s) -
Djalilia Hamid R.,
Memar Omid
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/01.mlg.0000231562.83733.53
Subject(s) - pimecrolimus , medicine , dermatology , refractory (planetary science) , surgery , calcineurin , physics , astrobiology , transplantation
Objectives/Hypothesis: To understand the role and efficacy of topical pimecrolimus in the treatment of refractory pruritis of the external auditory canals (EACs). Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: Thirty‐six patients with pruritic EACs who had failed conventional therapy with topical and systemic medications were treated with topical pimecrolimus 1% for a period of 3 months. Baseline and follow‐up evaluation of the degree of pruritis among other variables was performed. A control group of 19 patients was instructed on aural toilet alone and was not treated with topical pimecrolimus 1%. Results: Of the 36 patients who were treated with topical pimecrolimus for their pruritic EACs, 34 patients had resolution of their symptoms. There was evidence of return of cerumen production in 86% of patients. In the control group, 16% of patients had improvement of their symptoms with aural toilet. This difference was statistically significant (χ 2 , P < .0001). Conclusions: Topical pimecrolimus appears to be more efficacious than aural toilet in the treatment of pruritic ears for chronic use without side effects.