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

Type:Uv phototherapy   Time:2017-10-10 11:14:02
Calcitriol 3 microg g-1 ointment in combination with ultraviolet B phototherapy for the treatment of plaque psoriasis: 
results of a comparative study.
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.
www.kerneluvb.com----The leader manufacturer of UVB Phototherapy.