Using ammonium glycyrrhizinate as part of combination therapy for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in children

Introduction. Atopic dermatitis (AD) in children is characterized by a chronic relapsing course, marked pruritus, sleep disturbance, and reduced quality of life. In patients with moderate-to-severe disease, there remains a need for additional anti-inflammatory approaches that improve symptom control and reduce the need for treatment escalation.

Aim. To evaluate the use of the anti-inflammatory drug ammonium glycyrrhizinate (Reglisam, VIFITECH, Russia) in combination therapy and in the prevention of AD exacerbations in children with moderate-to-severe disease.

Materials and methods. An open-label, prospective, observational comparative study was conducted on 60 patients aged 2–17 years with moderate-to-severe AD. The main group included 30 children who received standard therapy combined with Reglisam for 84 days; the comparison group included 30 children who received standard therapy alone. SCORAD index, clinical symptoms, pruritus, sleep disturbance, quality of life assessed by CDLQI, need for additional therapy, and safety were evaluated.

Results. In the main group, a significant reduction in AD activity was observed: by day 84, the SCORAD index was 55% lower than in the comparison group (p < 0.001). By the end of follow-up, mild degree of disease was observed in 90.0% of patients in the main group and in 23.3% of patients in the comparison group. During Reglisam therapy, the extent and severity of skin lesions, inflammatory manifestations, pruritus, and sleep disturbances decreased, and quality of life improved. AD exacerbations occurred less frequently (33% vs 93%), and the need for topical glucocorticosteroids and antihistamines was lower. No adverse events related to Reglisam were reported.

Conclusion. The addition of the anti-inflammatory drug Reglisam to standard therapy for moderate-to-severe AD in children aged 2–17 years may be considered an effective and well-tolerated component of comprehensive treatment and prevention of disease exacerbations.

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