CYCLOSPORINE AND PSORIASIS - EXPERIENCE I N 14 PATIENTS

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of cyclosporine in patients with chronic big plaque psoriasis. Fourteen patients with psoriasis lasting a mean of 16.4 years (13 male, mean age 44.6 years), were treated with 5 mg/kg/day of cyclosporine during a mean of 38.5 d ays and they were followed after discontinuing the treatment. Patients were assessed weekly using the psoriasis area severity index (PASI), complete blood count, cyclosporine levels and blood chemistry. A remis sion of the disease was achieved in 12 patients, one did not improve a nd one had a sprout during treatment. After discontinuing the treatmen t all patients had gradual relapses of the disease in a period of 0. 5 to 6.5 months. During treatment, serum creatinine increased in 6 pati ents, serum bilirubin in 7 and alanine aminotransferase in 4. It is co ncluded that cyclosporine is beneficial in psoriasis but there is a re lapse once the treatment is discontinued.