Efficacy of the pulsed dye laser in the treatment of localized recalcitrant plaque psoriasis: a comparative study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Localized chronic plaque psoriasis, resistant to local therapy, may be very hard to treat. The treatment of these lesions with a pulsed dye laser (PDL) has been described before, but a comparative study between the PDL and a potent topical treatment has never been performed.

OBJECTIVES:

To compare the efficacy of the PDL in the treatment of localized, recalcitrant plaque psoriasis with a potent topical therapy, using calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (Dovobet) as an active comparator.

METHODS:

Eight patients with psoriasis were treated with both PDL (585 nm) and calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate in an open, intrapatient, left-right comparison. A plaque severity score (sum score) and photographs were used to document the course of therapy. Patients reported pain on a visual analogue scale.

RESULTS:

Both treatments were well tolerated, although one patient left the study due to post-PDL treatment pain. A significant difference in the sum score 12 weeks after treatment was seen in favour of the PDL (62% vs. 19% reduction; P<0.05). Scores for erythema declined significantly at week 12 in both the PDL and the calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate group (P<0.001). Induration and desquamation scores were significantly reduced at week 12 in the PDL group, without a statistically significant reduction in calcipotriol/betamethasone-treated lesions. The pain scores declined with progressive PDL treatments, although not statistically significantly.

CONCLUSIONS:

PDL treatment might be considered for the treatment of localized, recalcitrant plaque psoriasis, when other topical therapies have failed.

• Authors: A Erceg, H J Bovenschen, P C M van de Kerkhof, M M B Seyger
• Journal: The British journal of dermatology (Br J Dermatol) Vol. 155 Issue 1 Pg. 110-4 (Jul 2006) ISSN: 0007-0963 [Print] England
• PMID: 16792761 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Dermatologic Agents
• Drug Combinations
• calcipotriene
• Betamethasone
• Calcitriol

Topics

• Adult
• Analysis of Variance
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (therapeutic use)
• Betamethasone (therapeutic use)
• Calcitriol (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Dermatologic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Drug Combinations
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Laser Therapy
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Psoriasis (drug therapy, therapy)
• Treatment Outcome