Topical Steroids vs. Pimecrolimus for Infants with Eczema

Pimecrolimus 1% cream, a topical calcineurin inhibitor approved for treatment of eczema in children aged ≥2 years, is often used when concerns arise that topical corticosteroids (TCSs) might cause adverse effects. In a multinational, industry-supported study, investigators assessed safety and efficacy outcomes in 2418 infants (age range, 3 to 12 months) with mild-to-moderate eczema who were randomized to treatment with pimecrolimus or low-potency to mid-potency TCSs and followed for 5 years.

Due to concerns about potential immunosuppression with pimecrolimus use, the safety analysis focused on bacterial and viral infections, incidences of which were similar in both groups. The pimecrolimus group did experience significantly more events of br…