Calcitriol 3 microg g-1 ointment in combination with ultraviolet B phototherapy for the treatment of plaque psoriasis: results of a comparative study.

Abstract

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.

• Authors: J Ring, L Kowalzick, E Christophers, W B Schill, E Schöpf, M Ständer, H H Wolff, P Altmeyer
• Journal: The British journal of dermatology (Br J Dermatol) Vol. 144 Issue 3 Pg. 495-9 (Mar 2001) ISSN: 0007-0963 [Print] England
• PMID: 11260005 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Dermatologic Agents
• Ointments
• Calcitriol

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Calcitriol (therapeutic use)
• Chronic Disease
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Dermatologic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Ointments
• Prospective Studies
• Psoriasis (drug therapy, pathology, radiotherapy)
• Radiation Dosage
• Severity of Illness Index
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultraviolet Therapy