8.4.1 Systemic Adverse Reactions in Pediatric Patients

HPA axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, and intracranial hypertension have been reported in children receiving topical corticosteroids. Manifestations of adrenal suppression in children include linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain, low plasma cortisol levels, and subnormal response to ACTH stimulation. Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema.

Because of a higher ratio of skin surface area to body mass, children are at a greater risk for systemic adverse reactions than are adults when treated with topical corticosteroids. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]

8.4.2 Evaluation in Peanut-Sensitive Pediatric Subjects

A clinical study was conducted to assess the safety of Fluocinolone Acetonide 0.01% Topical Oil, which contains refined peanut oil, on subjects with known peanut allergies. The study enrolled 13 subjects with atopic dermatitis, 6 to 17 years of age. Of the 13 subjects, 9 were Radioallergosorbent Test (RAST) positive to peanuts and 4 had no peanut sensitivity (controls). The study evaluated the subjects responses to both prick test and patch test utilizing peanut oil NF, Fluocinolone Acetonide 0.01% Topical Oil and histamine/saline controls. Subjects were also treated with Fluocinolone Acetonide 0.01% Topical Oil twice daily for 7 days. Prick test and patch test results for all 13 patients were negative to Fluocinolone Acetonide 0.01% Topical Oil and the refined peanut oil. One of the 9 peanut-sensitive patients experienced an exacerbation of atopic dermatitis after 5 days of Fluocinolone Acetonide 0.01% Topical Oil use. The bulk peanut oil NF, used in Fluocinolone Acetonide 0.01% Topical Oil is heated at 475°F for at least 15 minutes, which should provide for adequate decomposition of allergenic proteins. [See Description (11)]

8.4.3 Evaluation in Pediatric Subjects 2 to 6 years old

Open-label safety studies were conducted on 33 children (20 subjects ages 2 to 6 years, 13 subjects ages 7 to 12 years) with moderate to severe stable atopic dermatitis. Subjects were treated with Fluocinolone Acetonide 0.01% Topical Oil twice daily for 4 weeks. Baseline body surface area involvement was 50% to 75% in 15 subjects and greater than 75% in 18 subjects. Morning pre-stimulation cortisol and post-ACTH stimulation cortisol levels were obtained in each subject at the beginning of the trial and at the end of 4 weeks of treatment. At the end of treatment, 4 out of 18 subjects aged 2 to 5 years showed low pre-stimulation cortisol levels (3.2 to 6.6 µg/dL; normal: cortisol > 7µg/dL) but all had normal responses to 0.25 mg of ACTH stimulation (cortisol > 18 µg/dL).

8.4.4 Evaluation in Pediatric Subjects 3 months to 2 years old

An open-label safety study was conducted in 29 children (7 subjects ages 3 to 6 months, 7 subjects ages > 6 to 12 months and 15 subjects ages > 12 months to 2 years of age) to assess the HPA axis by ACTH stimulation testing following use of Fluocinolone Acetonide 0.01% Topical Oil twice daily for 4 weeks. All subjects had moderate to severe atopic dermatitis with disease involvement on at least 20% body surface area. Baseline body surface area involvement was 50% to 75% in 11 subjects and greater than 75% in 7 subjects. Morning pre-stimulation and post-ACTH stimulation cortisol levels were obtained in each subject at the beginning of the trial and at the end of 4 weeks of treatment. All subjects had normal responses to 0.125 mg of ACTH stimulation (cortisol > 18 µg/dL).