title: Long-term cyclosporin for psoriasis.
abstract: Thirteen patients with severe persistent psoriasis, intolerant of, or unresponsive to, other current treatments have been treated with cyclosporin (Cys) for periods varying from 12-25 (mean 18) months. The dose ranged from 1-4 mg/kg/day (mean 2.8 mg). There was a 72% reduction in the mean PASI score at 4 weeks, and at the end of the study, an 81% reduction. Adjuvant therapy with topical steroids was used in 11 of the 13 patients after the first 3 months of Cys treatment to persistent patches on an intermittent basis with beneficial effect. Six patients developed mild to moderate hypertension, in three this was controlled by a reduction in the dose of Cys, and in the other three by hypotensive agents. The mean serum creatinine rose from 72 to 90 microM/l during the study. Hypertrichosis occurred in seven of the 13 patients. Low dosage Cys is an effective treatment for clearing psoriasis and maintaining improvement on a long-term basis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, St Mary's Hospital, London, U.K.
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Griffiths
authors.forename: A V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Powles
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McFadden
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Valdimarsson
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fry
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003524:Cyclosporins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D003524:Cyclosporins