Comparison of efficacy of calcipotriol and betamethasone combination with betamethasone alone in plaque psoriasis

Abstract

Background: Topical therapy constitutes the first line of management in mild to moderate psoriasis. Studies comparing the treatment outcome of topical calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate combination with betamethasone dipropionate alone in plaque psoriasis are few as per literature search. Aims and Objective: The present study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the calcipotriol and betamethasone combination in plaque psoriasis. Materials and Methods: Study was carried out among in and outpatients presenting to the Department of Dermatology, Sri R. L Jalappa Hospital and Research Centre attached to Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Kolar, for 1 year 4 months. 66 patients clinically diagnosed with plaque psoriasis were recruited. 32 patients were treated with topical calcipotriol 0.005% and betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% combination once daily and 34 with betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% twice daily topically. Clinical follow-up of patients was done using psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) at baseline, week 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12. During each follow-up visit, patients were clinically examined, and the corresponding PASI scores were noted. They were also assessed for any adverse reactions. Results: By the end of 12 weeks, 30 patients in each group completed the study. In both the groups, the PASI scores reduced significantly from the baseline. The clinical response as well as reduction of PASI score in patients receiving calcipotriol 0.005% and betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% combination was statistically significant compared to betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% monotherapy. Conclusion: Calcipotriol and betamethasone combination was efficacious and well tolerated than betamethasone dipropionate monotherapy in mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.