Psoriasis and pentoxifylline: a clinical, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical evaluation.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine the clinical and histopathologic effects of pentoxifylline on psoriasis, compared with placebo.


METHODS
Sixty-one outpatients with active psoriasis were randomly assigned to either of 2 groups: one was given pentoxifylline 400 mg tid PO, and the other, placebo. Fifty-six patients concluded the study. They were evaluated clinically and by laboratory parameters before and after 8 weeks of treatment. Pretreatment and posttreatment biopsies were taken. Initial sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Further cuts were immunostained for cytokeratins 10, 14, and 16.


RESULTS
Clinical and histologic improvement did not show statistically significant differences between the groups. No laboratory abnormalities or serious reactions related to the drug were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
No statistical difference was seen when the treatment group was compared with the control group. Pentoxifylline is a well tolerated and safe drug, but its efficacy in psoriasis appears to be limited.
Magela Magalhães
Geraldo
G
Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. germagela@ig.com.br
Coelho da Silva Carneiro
Sueli
S
Peisino do Amaral
Karla
K
de Freire Cássia
Flávia
F
Machado-Pinto
Jackson
J
Cuzzi
Tullia
T
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010431:Pentoxifylline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D010431:Pentoxifylline