Abstract
AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cyclosporine 1% (CsA) eye drops in patients affected by pediatric blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (PBKC). METHODS: This was a retrospective, single arm study of pediatric patients with PBKC. All patients received topical CsA 1% eye drops, administered three times daily for 2mo and then tapered during the third month. In the first treatment week, chloramphenicol and betamethasone eye drops were also given three times daily. Patients were examined at baseline (T0), 4wk (T1), 3mo (T2), and 12mo (T3). At each visit, slit-lamp evaluation of the anterior segment and anterior segment photography were performed. Disease activity and damage were assessed using the modified Hamada bimodal scoring system. Mean PBKC scores across time points were compared using one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's HSD post-hoc test. RESULTS: Thirty-six pediatric patients with PBKC were enrolled, six are excluded for incomplete follow-up, leaving 30 patients (11 males, 19 females; mean age 7.71±3.86y) for analysis. The baseline activity score was 1.60±0.62 and decreased significantly at all time points (T1: 0.53±0.51; T2: 0.34±0.76; T3: 0.47±0.86; P<0.001). Damage scores declined by 52% at T1, 53% at T2, and 70% at T3, with significant reductions at T2 and T3 versus baseline (P<0.01). No adverse events occur during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: CsA 1% eye drops effectively control the signs and symptoms of PBKC in pediatric patients and demonstrate a favorable safety profile, supporting their used as a valid therapeutic option in clinical practice.