Comparative study of Methotrexate and Cyclosporine in the treatment of Psoriasis

Abstract

Background Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by sharply demarcated, erythematous squamous lesions, with an estimated worldwide prevalence of 0 to 11.8%. Methotrexate (MTX) and cyclosporine (CsA) are well known systemic therapies for moderate to severe chronic plague psoriasis.

Objective The aim of this study is compare the efficacy of methotrexate and cyclosporine in the treatment of Psoriasis.

Methods A prospective randomized study was conducting at the Dhulikhel Hospital, KUTH, Dhulikhel during November 2008 to July 2009 with the objective to compare the effectiveness, side effects and cost of MTX and CsA treatment in a context reflecting normal clinical practice.

Results A total of 64 patients (33 receiving MTX and 31 receiving CsA) were enrolled. These patients were followed every week for first month and their PASI score and side effects were recorded at 0, 1st, 2nd and 3rd month interval. In the study, the mean (± S.E) PASI score at base line was 23.34 ± 1.12 for MTX and 21.25 ± 1.07 for CsA group. After 12 weeks of treatment the mean ± S.E PASI score found to be 5.37 ± 0.42 for MTX and 4.56 ± 0.41 for CsA group. The difference in the response between the groups acquired statistically not significance (p=0.160 > 0.05) meaning there is no difference in the effectiveness of MTX and CsA.

Conclusions The efficacy, side effects, ease of administration (once weekly vs. twice daily treatment) and cost, it seems that treatment of psoriasis patient with systemic therapy using MTX is preferable than CsA even though, both have similar clinical efficacy.

Keywords Methotrexate; Cyclosporine; Psoriasis.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njdvl.v9i1.5763

NJDVL 2010; 9(1): 15-21