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Efficacy and tolerance of topical calcitriol 3 μg g −1 in psoriasis treatment: a review of our experience in Poland
Author(s) -
Langner A.,
Stapór W.,
Ambroziak M.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2001.144s58011.x
Subject(s) - psoriasis , calcitriol , medicine , dermatology , vitamin d and neurology
Although topical vitamin D 3 derivatives have been used in the treatment of patients with psoriasis for the past 15 years, questions remain about the indications and limitations of application. Extensive personal experience gained during the development of calcitriol (1α25‐dihydroxyvitamin D 3 ) is therefore reviewed. Three double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled trials have revealed that calcitriol 3 μg g −1 ointment (Silkis ointment®, Galderma Laboratories) has very good clinical efficacy. In a left–right comparison with vehicle ointment, complete clearance of psoriatic lesions was achieved in 48% of sites treated with calcitriol and a further 41% showed considerable or definite improvement. The clinical response to calcitriol in another study was as good as, or even better than, that achieved with betamethasone valerate 0·1% ointment. A preparation containing calcitriol 15 μg g −1 did not show any clinical superiority to the lower dose but was associated with a higher risk of hypercalciuria, particularly when applied to extensive skin lesions. These results suggest that calcitriol 3 μg g −1 ointment is an effective and safe treatment for chronic plaque psoriasis.