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

doi:10.1046/j.1365-2133.2001.04074.x

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Wiley InterScience

British Journal of Dermatology

Volume 144 Issue 3, Pages 495 - 499

Published Online: 23 Dec 2001

An Official Journal of the British Association of Dermatologists

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

J. Ring, * † L. Kowalzick, * E. Christophers,&Dagger; W.B. Schill, § E. Schöpf, ¶ M. Ständer, * * H.H. Wolff † † and P. Altmeyer&Dagger;&Dagger;

* University Hospital of Dermatology, Hamburg, Germany
† Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Technical University, Munich, Germany
&Dagger;Department of Dermatology, University of Kiel, Germany
§ Centre for Dermatology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
¶ Department of Dermatology, University of Freiburg, Germany
* * Fachklinik Bad Bentheim, Germany
† † Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Germany
&Dagger;&Dagger;Department of Dermatology, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany

Correspondence: Prof. Dr med. Dr phil. J.Ring, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Technical University, Biederkiner Str. 29, D-80802 Munich, Germany. E-mail: JohannesRing@lrz/tu.muenchen.de

KEYWORDS

calcitriol ointment • plaque psoriasis • randomized controlled trial • ultraviolet B phototherapy

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 µg 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 µg g⁻¹ ointment and UVB phototherapy in combination provides a promising therapy for managing chronic plaque psoriasis.

Accepted for publication 5 November 2000

DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER (DOI)

10.1046/j.1365-2133.2001.04074.x About DOI