Topical ciclosporin in the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in Rwanda, Central Africa: a prospective, randomised, double-masked, controlled clinical trial

AimTo compare the short-term efficiency and safety of topical ciclosporin A (CsA) 2% with dexamethasone 0.1% in the treatment of predominantly limbal vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) in Rwanda, Central Africa.MethodsConsecutive patients with VKC were randomised in a prospective, double-masked, clinical trial to receive either topical CsA 2% dissolved in olive oil vehicle or dexamethasone 0.1% drops for 4 weeks. Both groups then received sodium chromoglycate 2% drops for maintenance therapy for a further 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the reduction in composite score for VKC-related symptoms and signs at 4 weeks. Secondary outcomes included side effects, best-corrected visual acuity, comfort rating of the trial drops during 4 weeks' test medication and relapse rate thereafter.ResultsThe 366 participants recruited had the limbal (91.5%) or mixed form of VKC. At the end of the 4-week treatment period, the composite score had decreased significantly (p