Atorvastatin for the treatment of plaque-type psoriasis.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the efficacy and safety of oral atorvastatin for the treatment of plaque-type psoriasis.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.


METHODS
University-affiliated psoriasis outpatient clinic in Iran.


METHODS
Forty-two patients aged 16-60 years with a diagnosis of acute or chronic plaque-type psoriasis with body surface area (BSA) involvement of greater than 10% were enrolled; 40 completed the study. Intervention. Oral atorvastatin 40 mg/day (20 patients) or placebo (20 patients) was administered for 12 weeks; patients' topical therapies with emollients, keratolytics, and/or class V corticosteroids were continued during the study period.


RESULTS
The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and percentage BSA involvement were used to assess the efficacy of therapy. Mean ± SD baseline PASI scores were 7.42 ± 1.90 and 6.92 ± 1.76 in the atorvastatin and placebo groups, respectively. The primary outcomes were the degree of change in PASI scores and percentage BSA involvement from baseline to week 12. Significant improvement in psoriasis lesions was observed in both the atorvastatin and placebo groups (p<0.001 for both groups). A 75% improvement in PASI score (PASI 75) was achieved in 8 patients (40%) in the atorvastatin group and 7 patients (35%) in the placebo group. However, no statistically significant differences were noted between the two treatment groups in mean PASI score, percentage BSA involvement, and PASI 75. In terms of adverse effects, atorvastatin was well tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral atorvastatin 40 mg/day was not associated with therapeutic benefit when given to patients with baseline PASI scores less than 12 who were also treated with standard topical therapies. Additional trials are needed to elucidate the place of statins for the treatment of psoriasis. A larger follow-up study, as well as testing atorvastatin in patients with more intensive disease characterized by high PASI scores, is needed. Studies using higher atorvastatin doses or dose-ranging studies should also be performed.
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Toktam
T
Faghihi
Mania
M
Radfar
Zohre
Z
Mehrabian
Amir Hoshang
AH
Ehsani
Mohsen
M
Rezaei Hemami
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000069059:Atorvastatin; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006538:Heptanoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D006538:Heptanoic Acids; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D011758:Pyrroles; D000069059:Atorvastatin