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  • Title: Methotrexate/narrowband UVB phototherapy combination vs. narrowband UVB phototherapy in the treatment of chronic plaque-type psoriasis--a randomized single-blinded placebo-controlled study.
    Author: Mahajan R, Kaur I, Kanwar AJ.
    Journal: J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol; 2010 May; 24(5):595-600. PubMed ID: 20015056.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic, recurring inflammatory disease affecting the skin, joints and nails that has a significant negative impact on the quality of life. Efficacy of combination of methotrexate/narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy in the treatment of psoriasis has been rarely assessed. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of methotrexate/NBUVB phototherapy combination vs. NBUVB phototherapy in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis. METHODS: Forty patients with chronic plaque-type psoriasis (body surface area involvement >10%) were randomized to receive either methotrexate/NBUVB phototherapy (group A) or placebo/NBUVB phototherapy (group B). End point of treatment was 75% reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) Score or upto 6 months, whichever was earlier. Patients were then followed up for a period of 12 weeks for assessment of relapse. RESULTS: Of 40 patients, 37 completed the treatment period and 29 both the treatment period and follow-up. PASI 75 was achieved in 19/20 patients in group A and 14/20 patients in group B (P < 0.04). The mean number of weeks(P = 0.001), the mean cumulative dose of NBUVB (P = 0.001) and the mean number of phototherapy sessions (P = 0.0001) required to achieve PASI 75 were significantly less in group A compared with group B. There was no significant difference in the number of patients who relapsed during the follow-up period (P = 0.68). CONCLUSION: Combination of methotrexate and NBUVB phototherapy provides more rapid clinical improvement compared with NBUVB monotherapy in the treatment for chronic plaque-type psoriasis.
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