Calcipotriol plus betamethasone dipropionate scalp formulation is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of scalp psoriasis: a phase II study.
BACKGROUND
There is a need for more effective therapy for scalp psoriasis.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and safety of a 2-compound scalp formulation including calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate in the treatment of scalp psoriasis.


METHODS
Patients (n = 218) with scalp psoriasis were randomized to treatment with the 2-compound scalp formulation (n = 108) or betamethasone dipropionate in the same vehicle (n = 110). The treatments were applied once daily on the scalp for up to 8 weeks.


RESULTS
The 2-compound scalp formulation showed a significantly higher efficacy than betamethasone dipropionate on the total sign score at the end of treatment (p = 0.042) and after 2 weeks (p = 0.005).


CONCLUSIONS
The calcipotriol plus betamethasone dipropionate scalp formulation was superior to betamethasone dipropionate in the same vehicle when used once daily for up to 8 weeks in the treatment of scalp psoriasis.
Buckley
Colin
C
Department of Dermatology, Waterford Regional Hospital Ardkeen, Waterford, Ireland. Colin.Buckley@hse.ie
Hoffmann
Vibeke
V
Shapiro
Jerry
J
Saari
Seppo
S
Cambazard
Frederic
F
Milsgaard
Mette
M
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002117:Calcitriol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D020714:Maximum Tolerated Dose; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011336:Probability; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012016:Reference Values; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; C055085:calcipotriene; C011175:betamethasone-17,21-dipropionate; D001623:Betamethasone; D002117:Calcitriol