<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the first-line systemic treatment options in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and can be combined with narrow band UVB phototherapy (Nb-UVB). However, such a combination is rarely used for optimal duration due to safety and efficacy concerns. The aim of this study was to assess efficacy and safety of methotrexate (MTX) combination with low doses of Nb-UVB versus MTX monotherapy in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in a real-world setting. Retrospective psoriasis patient medical chart review was performed for the period from 2013 till 2019. The combination therapy group (Group 1, n = 74) received MTX 10 mg s/c once a week for four to six weeks and 311 nm UVB phototherapy according to the skin type and protocol of administration — three times a week; undergoing 10–24 procedures in the treatment course. The monotherapy group (Group 2, n = 57) was treated, using MTX as monotherapy 2.5 mg two times a day orally for five days (4–6 treatment courses in total). The combination therapy group achieved decrease of mean PASI at the end of the 2<sup>nd</sup> week of treatment by 38% vs monotherapy group 21%. Combination of low dose subcutaneous MTX and Nb-UVB therapy provides better treatment outcomes and normalisation of immunochemical parameters than for MTX monotherapy. This combination also showed a favourable tolerability profile.</p>
</abstract>

Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the first-line systemic treatment options in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and can be combined with narrow band UVB phototherapy (Nb-UVB). However, such a combination is rarely used for optimal duration due to safety and efficacy concerns. The aim of this study was to assess efficacy and safety of methotrexate (MTX) combination with low doses of Nb-UVB versus MTX monotherapy in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in a real-world setting. Retrospective psoriasis patient medical chart review was performed for the period from 2013 till 2019. The combination therapy group (Group 1, n = 74) received MTX 10 mg s/c once a week for four to six weeks and 311 nm UVB phototherapy according to the skin type and protocol of administration — three times a week; undergoing 10–24 procedures in the treatment course. The monotherapy group (Group 2, n = 57) was treated, using MTX as monotherapy 2.5 mg two times a day orally for five days (4–6 treatment courses in total). The combination therapy group achieved decrease of mean PASI at the end of the 2nd week of treatment by 38% vs monotherapy group 21%. Combination of low dose subcutaneous MTX and Nb-UVB therapy provides better treatment outcomes and normalisation of immunochemical parameters than for MTX monotherapy. This combination also showed a favourable tolerability profile.

Retrospective Cohort Study Comparing Efficacy and Safety of Pharmacological Intervention and Phototherapy in Moderate to Severe Psoriasis Patients in a Real-World Setting

Department of Dermatology and Venereology

Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. Section B. Natural, Exact, and Applied Sciences.

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the first-line systemic treatment options in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and can be combined with narrow...

Retrospective Cohort Study Comparing Efficacy and Safety of Pharmacological Intervention and Phototherapy in Moderate to Severe Psoriasis Patients in a Real-World Setting

Published Online: Apr 29, 2024

Page range: 141 - 146

Received: Feb 28, 2023

Accepted: Jan 09, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/prolas-2024-0021

Keywords
Th 17 pathway, combined treatment, Nb-UVB, T cells, immunology

© 2024 Ilona Hartmane et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Retrospective Cohort Study Comparing Efficacy and Safety of Pharmacological Intervention and Phototherapy in Moderate to Severe Psoriasis Patients in a Real-World Setting

Published Online: Apr 29, 2024

Page range: 141 - 146

Received: Feb 28, 2023

Accepted: Jan 09, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/prolas-2024-0021

KeywordsTh 17 pathway, combined treatment, Nb-UVB, T cells, immunology

© 2024 Ilona Hartmane et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Keywords
Th 17 pathway, combined treatment, Nb-UVB, T cells, immunology