Role of Topical Immuonosuppressant in the Management of Spring Catarrh: a Comparative Study Between Cyclosporine A 2% and Tacrolimus 0.3%

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) (spring catarrh) is an allergic disease that affects children and young adults and is one of the most severe forms of atopic ocular disease. Classically, the incidence of VKC peaks in the summer and spring. However, 60% of cases can become chronic with persistent symptoms. VKC is mainly characterized by intense itching, but patients also frequently complain of lacrimation, foreign body sensation and photophobia.

There are three different clinical forms of VKC; the palpebral form, which is characterized by giant papillae in the upper tarsal; the limbal form, with gelatinous nodules composed of eosinophilic infiltrates and degenerated epithelial cells (Horner- Tantra spots) and a mixed form.

The treatment of VKC involves the use of topical Anti-histaminic and Mast Cell Stabilizers, which are usually sufficient to control symptoms in mild cases. However, a high number of patients are refractory to allergy therapy and require treatment with topical steroids. Side effects related to long-term steroid use, such as increased intraocular pressure (IOP), cataract development and increased susceptibility to infections.

Refractory VKC, development of steroid complications or the need for long-term use of Topical steroids are indications to use Topical immune-suppressant drugs as Tacrolimus (TCL) or Cyclosporine A (CsA). Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant derived from Streptomyces tsukubaensis, is an alternative to steroid therapy for allergic diseases of the ocular surface. Topical Cyclosporine A is a fungal metabolite that reduces ocular inflammation by inhibiting Th2 lymphocyte proliferation and histamine release from mast cells and basophils.