Abstract | BACKGROUND: Parthenium dermatitis is a chronic disorder whose management is extremely difficult. Allergen avoidance is almost impossible, topical corticosteroid therapy provides only partial relief, and prolonged systemic corticosteroid therapy has unacceptable side-effects. METHODS: Twenty patients with chronic Parthenium dermatitis, with relative contraindications to systemic corticosteroids or their side-effects, were treated with oral azathioprine (100-150 mg daily). The severity of dermatitis was assessed at 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months using a modified PASI scoring system. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 54 years (range, 40-72 years) and the mean duration of dermatitis was 7.6 years (range, 3 months to 36 years). The mean initial score was 18.9 (range, 3.3-42), which decreased to 8.8 (range, 1.6-18.2) at 3 months, 4.8 (range, 0.6-14.6) at 6 months, and 0.7 (range, 0.2-1.4) at 12 months. Of the 15 patients evaluated at 6 months, all but one showed a response. Ten (66.6%) patients showed near-total clearance, i.e. reduction in score by more than 90%, and three patients (20%) showed more than 50% reduction in score. No significant side-effects were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Azathioprine is an effective and safe alternative to corticosteroid therapy in the treatment of chronic Parthenium dermatitis. It is especially useful in patients with side-effects or contraindications to corticosteroid therapy.
|
Authors | V K Sharma, A Chakrabarti, V Mahajan |
Journal | International journal of dermatology
(Int J Dermatol)
Vol. 37
Issue 4
Pg. 299-302
(Apr 1998)
ISSN: 0011-9059 [Print] England |
PMID | 9585905
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
|
Chemical References |
- Immunosuppressive Agents
- Azathioprine
|
Topics |
- Administration, Oral
- Adult
- Aged
- Asteraceae
- Azathioprine
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Dermatitis, Contact
(drug therapy)
- Female
- Humans
- Immunosuppressive Agents
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Male
- Middle Aged
|