Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research
Open Access
ISSN: 2155-9554
ISSN: 2155-9554
Mark Lim
Northeast Medical Group, Singapore
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Clin Exp Dermatol Res
Background: Treatment of refractory atopic dermatitis or endogenous eczema can be challenging due to limited treatment modalities. MMF is a good alternative systemic therapy for chronic eczema but its costs often limit its use in Singapore. While there are a few small prospective studies done in the past decade on the efficacy of MMF in the treatment of eczema, data on its treatment efficacy and side effects remain anecdotal and especially lacking in an Asian population. Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of MMF in its treatment of eczema among a cohort of Asian eczema patients. Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of eczema patients in our centre who were treated with MMF from 2006 to 2016. Patients were identified from electronic medical records by cross referencing clinic and pharmacy electronic records. Results: Our study included a total of 26 patients ranging from 14-87 years old. Most patients (53.8 %) had failed prior treatment with immunosuppressants and 26.9% of patients had prior phototherapy. The highest dose of MMF used was 1000-3000 mg. 88.5% had improvement of their eczema during follow-up. A total of eight patients (30.8%) reported complications during treatment. Most complications were mild and non-specific with six patients reporting worsening eczema or no improvement. No patients developed leukopenia or anemia during follow-up. Conclusion: MMF remains a useful therapeutic option in the treatment of eczema and could potentially be used as an early treatment option. Further cost effectiveness comparisons could be done with other immunosuppressants.
Email: mark.lim@mohh.com.sg