The long-term safety of topical corticosteroids in atopic dermatitis: A systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are a first-line treatment for eczema, but there are concerns about their safety when used long-term.

Objectives

To systematically review adverse effects associated with longer-term use of TCS for eczema.

Methods

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort and case-control studies reporting adverse effects of TCS (comparators: no TCS treatment, other topicals) in patients with eczema were identified. Included studies had greater than one year of follow-up, minimum cohort size of 50 participants, or minimum 50 per arm for RCTs. Evidence was GRADE-assessed. Prospero registration CRD42021286413.

Results

We found seven studies (two randomised, five observational); two RCTs (n = 2570, including 1288 receiving TCS), two

SUBMITTER: Harvey J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10549798 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature