Cyclosporin greatly improves the quality of life of adults with severe atopic dermatitis. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

A multicentre, randomized, double-blind, controlled crossover clinical trial was conducted on 33 patients with severe refractory atopic dermatitis, to determine the effects of cyciosporin (5 mg/kg/day) on their health-related quality of life. Treatments were administered for 8-week periods. One group (n=16) received placebo followed by cyclosporin, and the other (n=17) received cyclosporin and then placebo. Health-related quality of life was assessed at o, 8 and 16 weeks using a general measure, the United Kingdom Sickness Impact Profile (UKSIP), an eczema-specibic measure, the Eczema Disability Index (EDI), and a global 5-point rating scale of overall health (very good to very poor). In addition, clinical assessments (i.e. extent and activity of disease) were made by the investigators. UKSIP and EDI scores indicated significant improvement in quality of life (P<0.05–P<0.01) of patients with atopic dermatitis after treatment with cyclosporin. Although no patient required withdrawal from the study. 20 patients receiving cyclosporin reported adverse events, compared with eight taking placebo. There was a close correlation (P<0.05–P