Efficacy of low-dose cyclosporin A in psoriasis: results of dose-finding studies.
The efficacy of cyclosporin A (CyA) in severe psoriasis was analysed in 457 adult patients included in five European multicentre dose-finding studies. Initial CyA doses were 1.25 mg/kg/day in 33 patients, 2.5-3 mg/kg/day in 285 and 5 mg/kg/day in 139. After 3 months of treatment, the reduction of the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score was 35 +/- 6% with 1.25 mg/kg/day of CyA, 57 +/- 2% with 2.5 mg or 3 mg/kg/day and 86 +/- 2% with 5 mg/kg/day (P less than 0.001). The rates of success, defined by a PASI score reduction greater than or equal to 75% or a score less than or equal to 8, were 24%, 52% and 88%, respectively. There were no differences in age, initial severity or duration of psoriasis. The improvement was maintained for 9 months or more in the majority of patients receiving continuous CyA therapy.
Immunology Group, Department of Clinical Research, Sandoz Pharma Ltd, Basle, Switzerland.
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Timonen
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Abeywickrama
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Laburte
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003524:Cyclosporins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors
D003524:Cyclosporins