Topical application of a platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonist in atopic dermatitis.

Abstract

Platelet-activating factor (PAF acether) is a lipid mediator with a potent proinflammatory activity. Results derived both from in vitro and in vivo studies suggest a possible role of this substance in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis. A double-blind, randomized, multi-center, within-patient study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of a topically applied PAF antagonist (RO-24-0238) in 36 patients with atopic dermatitis. Over a period of 28 days, 0.25 ml of the PAF antagonist and the vehicle (placebo) were applied twice daily on opposite sites of symmetrical lesions (measuring 10 to 20 cm2 each). The overall assessment of the therapeutic efficacy did not demonstrate a superior effect of the PAF antagonist in comparison to placebo, and this was the same with the individual study parameters erythema, scaling, induration and exudation. For reducing pruritus, as assessed by the patient using a visual analogue scale, a statistically significant action was documented during the first 2 weeks of the study (p < 0.04