Clinical Trial: Long-term Topical Cyclosporine for Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Long-term Results of Topical Cyclosporine 0.05% in the Treatment of Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis

Brief Summary:

Atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) is a rare type of ocular allergy that is often associated with eczema. Over time, the complications from this disease process lead to loss of vision due to continual scarring of the corneal surface. The pathophysiology of AKC has not been fully elucidated, and the triggers are still unknown.

Corticosteroids are very effective in controlling the acute symptoms of AKC. However, two thirds of patients managed with a combination of oral antihistamine, topical mast cell stabilizer, and intermittent topical steroid regimen eventually developed significant keratopathy and vision loss. Additionally, there are many side effects of corticosteroids, including local immunosuppression, cataract formation, and increased risk of glaucoma.

Cyclosporin A is an immunomodulator that specifically inhibits T lymphocytes by blocking the expression of the interleukin-2 receptor. It also blocks the release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells and eosinophils. Cyclosporin has no known side effects except for burning upon instillation, and safe to use over long-term . The investigators have demonstrated that a 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion of cyclosporine has been shown to be effective at improving the ocular signs and symptoms of AKC over short-term. However, the long-term efficacy of cyclosporine A in slowing the natural history of AKC and possible steroid sparing effects have not been assessed. The investigators hypothesize that cyclosporine A can be used as a mainstay treatment of AKC to control signs and symptoms over a long period of time and also prevent the progression of this disease.


Detailed Summary:

Atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) is a rare type of ocular allergy that is often associated with eczema. Over time, the complications from this disease process lead to loss of vision due to continual scarring of the corneal surface. The pathophysiology of AKC has not been fully elucidated, and the triggers are still unknown.

Corticosteroids are very effective in controlling the acute symptoms of AKC. However, two thirds of patients managed with a combination of oral antihistamine, topical mast cell stabilizer, and intermittent topical steroid regimen eventually developed significant keratopathy and vision loss. Additionally, there are many side effects of corticosteroids, including local immunosuppression, cataract formation, and increased risk of glaucoma.

Cyclosporin A is an immunomodulator that specifically inhibits T lymphocytes by blocking the expression of the interleukin-2 receptor. It also blocks the release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells and eosinophils. Cyclosporin has no known side effects except for burning upon instillation, and safe to use over long-term . The investigators have demonstrated that a 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion of cyclosporine has been shown to be effective at improving the ocular signs and symptoms of AKC over short-term. However, the long-term efficacy of cyclosporine A in slowing the natural history of AKC and possible steroid sparing effects have not been assessed. The investigators hypothesize that cyclosporine A can be used as a mainstay treatment of AKC to control signs and symptoms over a long period of time and also prevent the progression of this disease.


Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University

Current Primary Outcome: Ocular Symptoms and Signs Total Composite Score [ Time Frame: Baseline and 8 weeks ]

Symptoms (itching, tearing, discomfort, discharge, photophobia) and signs (Bublar conjunctival hyperemia, upper tarsal conjunctival papillae, punctate keratitis, corneal neovascularization, cicatrizing conjunctivitis, and blepharitis) evaluated on a 4 point scale of 0-3, with a minimum symptom score of 0- maximum 15, and sign score minimum 0-maximum 18, and total composite score of signs and symptoms of minimum 0-maximum 33. The highest score would indicate the most severe case of AKC.


Original Primary Outcome: Ocular symptoms and signs [ Time Frame: 12 months ]

Current Secondary Outcome: Corticosteroid Usage [ Time Frame: 12 months or longer ]

Number of flare-ups requiring topical steroid-use across all participants over the entire 12 month follow-up period


Original Secondary Outcome: Corticosteroid Usage [ Time Frame: 12 months ]

Information By: Johns Hopkins University

Dates:
Date Received: September 30, 2009
Date Started: August 2007
Date Completion:
Last Updated: October 4, 2013
Last Verified: October 2013