Hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1% lotion in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in pediatric subjects

Background: Hydrocortisone butyrate (HCB) is currently marketed as a cream, ointment, and solution. A new lotion formulation of hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1% (Locoid (R) lotion) has been developed and evaluated. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HCB 0.1% lotion compared to the vehicle in subjects aged 3 months to less than 18 years with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD). Methods: In this multicenter double-blind study, 284 subjects with mild to moderate AD were randomized 1: 1 to receive HCB 0.1% lotion or the vehicle for a duration of 4 weeks. "Treatment success" was defined as those subjects with a final Physician Global Assessment (PGA) score of 0 or 1 that had at least a 2-point reduction in the PGA score from baseline to day 29. Safety was assessed by monitoring adverse events. Results: Analyses of the final PGA score showed a significant treatment effect (P<.001) in favor of the HCB 0.1% lotion group. The safety profile of the HCB 0.1% lotion was also favorable. Limitations: The study did not assess the durability of the treatment effects (ie, safety and efficacy) after completion of the 4-week treatment period nor the potential need for longer term therapy given the chronic nature of AD. Conclusion: Results demonstrate the safety and efficacy of HCB 0.1% lotion in the treatment of mild to moderate AD in children 3 months to 18 years of age.