Efficacy of a day-care program in the treatment of psoriasis.
BACKGROUND
Few data exist documenting the effectiveness of psoriasis day-care treatment programs (PDTPs) using standardized efficacy measurements.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to analyze the efficacy of a PDTP using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI).


METHODS
A retrospective review was performed on 132 patients treated at our PDTP. Sufficient data existed to permit PASI analysis using a simplified method for a representative subgroup of 64 patients, who formed the study population. Patients received phototherapy and topical treatments over 2 weeks. The outcome measures included a baseline and day 11 PASI, a physician global assessment (PGA), and adverse events reported by the patients.


RESULTS
Mean baseline PASI was 13.6 (N = 64), with a 59.6% reduction by day 11. A PASI reduction of > or = 50% was seen in 75% of patients, with 30% of patients achieving > or = 75% reduction of PASI. Day 11 PGA demonstrated a 69.9% improvement.


CONCLUSIONS
With a reduction in PASI of 59.6% at 11 days, our PDTP, with phototherapy and topical agents, seems to be a rapid and effective therapy for psoriasis.
Zhang
Junling
J
Psoriasis and Phototherapy Clinic, Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.
Adam
David N
DN
Stebbing
Elaine
E
Gerbrandt
Judith
J
Lui
Harvey
H
Shapiro
Jerry
J
Zhou
Youwen
Y
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D003631:Day Care, Medical; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011701:PUVA Therapy; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
D003879:Dermatologic Agents