The efficacy, safety and tolerance of calcitriol 3 microg/g ointment in the treatment of plaque psoriasis: a comparison with short-contact dithranol.
OBJECTIVE
A comparison of efficacy, safety and tolerance of a twice-daily application of calcitriol 3 microg/g ointment with dithranol cream.


METHODS
The study was an 8-week, prospective, randomised, open, parallel-group trial with 114 patients. Subjects received either 3 microg/g calcitriol ointment (twice daily) or 0. 25-2% dithranol cream (once daily for 30 min). Results were measured using global improvement, global severity, PASI, quality of life (QOL) and Psoriasis Disability Index scores. Safety was determined from reports of adverse events and blood chemistry analysis.


RESULTS
At final assessment, calcitriol and dithranol were comparably efficacious. Skin irritation was reported by 5% of calcitriol and 72% of dithranol patients. Patients rated QOL and overall acceptability of calcitriol more highly.


CONCLUSIONS
Twice-daily calcitriol ointment (3 microg/g) is equally effective as a once-daily, short-contact dithranol regimen. However, calcitriol is better tolerated than dithranol, and provides a better QOL and a greater patient acceptability.
Hutchinson
P E
PE
Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK.
Marks
R
R
White
J
J
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000875:Anthralin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002117:Calcitriol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004485:Eczema / Q000139:chemically induced; D004655:Emulsions; D004890:Erythema / Q000139:chemically induced; D005076:Exanthema / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011537:Pruritus / Q000139:chemically induced; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D004655:Emulsions; D009824:Ointments; D002117:Calcitriol; D000875:Anthralin