Efficacy of Methotrexate in patients with plaque type psoriasis

Abstract

Objective: To assess the efficacy of Methotrexate in patients with plaque type psoriasis. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in the department of Dermatology, Civil Hospital Karachi from September 2009 to March 2010. Seventy three patients between 18 to 50 years of age suffering from plaque type psoriasis with PASI score of >10 were included in the study after taking the informed consent. Oral methotrexate in a dose of 7.5 mg/week was given for 8 weeks. The data collected included demographic profile (age and gender), duration of disease, site of involvement, size of plaque, severity of plaque measured by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score before starting the treatment and at the end of treatment. Efficacy was labeled with a PASI score of ≤5 at the end of 8 weeks. Results: Out of 73 patients there were 45 (61.6%) males and 28 (38.4%) females. The mean ±SD age was 40.0±12.6 years. The mean baseline PASI score showed clear and comparable improvement from a mean ± SD PASI score of 14.8±4.2 to 4.9±4.3.Twenty nine (40%) patients had an almost complete remission during the 8 weeks of treatment. Partial remission was achieved in 44 (60%) patients. The clearance time for psoriasis ranged from 5-7 weeks (mean 6±0.89 weeks). Conclusion: Treatment with methotrexate for chronic plaque psoriasis brings satisfactory disease control and improved quality of life.

Methotrexate; Outcome in the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis

“…Similarly Karn D et al 15 reported that majority of infected individuals (31.25%) with 40 to 49 years of age, as well as above 80% of cases had disorder onset prior to 49 years. Haider S et al 16 reported that 86 effected individuals were with 18 to 50 years of age group and (Mean ± SD was 40.0±12.6), and majority of men 45 (61.6%) as well as 28 (38.4%) women.…”

IL17A (rs2275913 G>A) and IL17F (rs2397084 T>C) Gene Polymorphisms: Relation to Psoriasis Risk and Response to Methotrexate.

“…(Schmitt-Egenolf M 2000) [15] In the present study, a signi cant reduction of PASI score was observed 12 weeks after methotrexate therapy. Haider et al (Haider et al 2014) [16] reported a 66% reduction of PASI score after 8 weeks of subcutaneous weekly methotrexate therapy in their patients. Methotrexate continues to be an affordable effective treatment option for patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis whose condition requires systemic therapy or who failed to respond to topical treatment alone.…”

A cross-sectional study of drug prescription pattern in psoriasis patients attending dermatology and venereology department in a rural tertiary care teaching hospital

“…The mean age of the patients was 42.48±12.29 years which was similar to that observed in other studies. [9][10][11] Majority of the study patients (46%) were in the age group of between 41-55 years (n-23). Although psoriasis is considered to have a "dual peak" in age of onset, in our study we could not find "dual peak" in age of onset and instead we found that the incidence of psoriasis increases steadily with age until approximately the 6 th decade of life, with a more rapid increase in the rate of incidence in between age 41-55 followed by age 26-40.…”

“…Similar prevalence was observed in various other studies. [9][10][11]13 The patient with pustular psoriasis had the most severe form of disease and guttate psoriasis had the mildest form of disease. This severity pattern of psoriasis was in accordance with literature which stated that, pustular psoriasis is a very serious and life threatening condition.…”

“…Similarly, Sabiqa Haider et al, in his study used Methotrexate in patients with PASI>10. 10 Combination of topical + phototherapy was used in patients of moderate psoriasis with baseline PASI score of>6 and combination of topical + systemic + phototherapy was used only for severe cases of psoriasis with extensive lesions with baseline PASI score >10.…”