Assessment of efficacy of methotrexate and acitretin in the management of psoriasis

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by a prominent T-cell infiltrate, epidermal hyper proliferation and abnormal keratinocyte differentiation. The present study was conducted to assess efficacy of methotrexate and acitretin in the management of psoriasis. Materials & Methods: 72 patients diagnosed with palmoplantar psoriasis were divided into 2 groups of 36 each. Group I patients were prescribed oral methotrexate15mg/week for 3 months and group II were given oral acitretin 0.5 mg/kg daily for 3 months. Modified psoriasis area severity index (MPASI) score was assessed. Results: There were 16 males and 20 females in group I and 18 males and 18 females in group II. The mean MASI score at baseline, 1 month, 2 months and 3 months was 58.2, 38.4, 23.2 and 14.6 and 60.4, 40.2, 30.5 and 20.4 in group I and II respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion:Oral methotrexate and acitretin were highly effective in treating palmoplantar psoriasis. Oral methotrexate reduces the lesions faster than acitretin.