Calcitriol 3 µg g−1 ointment in combination with ultraviolet B phototherapy for the treatment of plaque psoriasis: results of a comparative study
✍ Scribed by J. Ring; L. Kowalzick; E. Christophers; W.B. Schill; E. Schöpf; M. Ständer; H.H. Wolff; P. Altmeyer
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 2001
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 264 KB
- Volume
- 144
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0007-0963
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✦ Synopsis
Background:
Combinations of topical treatments and ultraviolet (uv) b phototherapy for plaque psoriasis may be more beneficial than either type of treatment used alone.
Objectives:
To determine the efficacy of calcitriol 3 microg g-1 ointment in combination with uvb phototherapy in treating plaque psoriasis.
Methods:
Calcitriol ointment with uvb was compared with vehicle plus uvb in a randomized, double-blind study in 104 patients.
Results:
Mean global improvement scores for both groups increased over the 8-week study period; there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in favour of the calcitriol/uvb combination from week 1. at end-point, 45% of the calcitriol/uvb group showed considerable improvement or clearing of psoriasis, compared with 21% of the control group. the superiority of calcitriol plus uvb was also reflected in the global severity and psoriasis area and severity index (pasi) scores; at end-point the mean percentage decrease in pasi score was 65% for the calcitriol/uvb group and 43% for vehicle/uvb (p = 0.0014). the incidence of skin-related adverse events was low (< 12%) and similar in the two treatment groups. no clinically significant changes in blood chemistry, in particular calcium levels, occurred. the greater efficacy of combined calcitriol and phototherapy allowed a 34% decrease in total uvb exposure.
Conclusions:
Calcitriol 3 microg g-1 ointment and uvb phototherapy in combination provides a promising therapy for managing chronic plaque psoriasis.