Treatment of scalp psoriasis with clobetasol-17 propionate 0.05% shampoo: a study on daily clinical practice.
BACKGROUND
Safety and clinical effectiveness of clobetasol-17 propionate 0.05% shampoo have been shown in patients with scalp psoriasis.


OBJECTIVE
First, to evaluate treatment satisfaction, user convenience safety and effectiveness of clobetasol-17 propionate 0.05% shampoo treatment in daily clinical practice. Second, to identify subgroup variables that may predict treatment success or failure.


METHODS
A total of 56 patients with scalp psoriasis were treated with short-contact clobetasol-17 propionate 0.05% shampoo once daily for 4 weeks. Data on treatment satisfaction, user convenience, safety and effectiveness were assessed on a 7-point Likert scale using postal questionnaires. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify variables that may predict treatment outcome.


RESULTS
A total of 41 patients returned both questionnaires (73%). Positive treatment satisfaction and user convenience were reported by 66% and 79% of patients respectively. Patient-rated indicators for disease severity improved by 39-46% (P < 0.05%). No major side-effects were reported. Subgroup analyses did not reveal any statistically significant patient variable that may predict treatment outcome. However, a tendency towards improved treatment satisfaction was observed in patients who had received fewer topical antipsoriatic treatments previously (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Short-contact treatment with clobetasol-17 propionate 0.05% shampoo has high user convenience and patient satisfaction rates. Moreover, the treatment is well-tolerated and efficacious from patients' perspective. Subgroup analyses did not reveal factors predicting treatment outcome, although treatment success tended to be more evident in patients who had received fewer treatments previously.
Department of Dermatology, René Descartesdreef 1, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. j.bovenschen@derma.umcn.nl
H J
HJ
Bovenschen
P C M
PC
Van de Kerkhof
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002990:Clobetasol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006203:Hair Preparations; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D006203:Hair Preparations; D002990:Clobetasol