THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CYCLOSPORINE AND PHOTOCHEMOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF PSORIASIS - A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Objective In this retrospective study, the effectiveness of cyclospori ne A (CsA) and photochemotherapy (PUVA) in inducing and maintaining re mission has been evaluated for a 1 year period in 50 patients. Methods CsA was administered for induction of remission and continued as main tenance therapy. PUVA was given as a single course. Patients were clas sified into two groups: moderate psoriasis and severe psoriasis. Resul ts Efficacy parameters showed a remission of 93% following one course of PUVA therapy versus 80% in the CsA group (P < 0.01) in moderate pso riasis. In severe psoriasis no differences were detectable. The mean i nduction of remission period with CsA was 12.5 weeks and with PUVA 13. 5 weeks. Nine of 25 CsA treated patients and five of 25 PUVA treated p atients failed to reach a remission within a period of 16 weeks. The m ean maintenance of remission was 39 weeks in the CsA group and 33 week s in the PUVA group. Conclusion These results indicate a preferential position of PUVA therapy to treat both moderate and severe psoriasis t hat does not respond to topical treatment. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B .V.