High-dose topical calcipotriol in the treatment of extensive psoriasis vulgaris.
Ten patients with extensive plaque psoriasis were treated with calcipotriol ointment (50 micrograms/g) for 2 weeks (200 g for 1 week, followed by 300 g during the second week). Mean improvement in psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) was 71%. Mean 24 h urine calcium rose from 4.79 mmol/24 h to 7.27 mmol/24 h (P < 0.0001). Urine calcium returned towards baseline after stopping calcipotriol. Mean serum calcium also rose slightly, but significantly, from 2.26 mmol/l to 2.32 mmol/l (P < 0.005), and fell again in the washout phase. Individual serum calcium values remained within the normal range throughout the study. Topical calcipotriol is an effective, rapidly acting and safe in-patient treatment for extensive plaque psoriasis.
Bourke
J F
JF
Department of Dermatology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, U.K.
Berth-Jones
J
J
Iqbal
S J
SJ
Hutchinson
P E
PE
D000287:Administration, Topical; D002117:Calcitriol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000652:urine; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; C055085:calcipotriene; D002117:Calcitriol; D002118:Calcium