Focus on five patients treated with cyclosporine up to 62 months

Abstract

Background: Cyclosporine is a validated treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. Long-term cyclosporine administration may induce toxic effects. The duration of treatment usually ranges from 10 to 16 weeks. However, some patients may take cyclosporine for a longer time. Aim: The objective of the present study is to evaluate the dose, efficacy and safety in long-term cyclosporine therapy. Patients and methods: We studied the hospital records of patients with psoriasis treated with cyclosporine between 1 January 2009, and 30 April 2015. We decided to focus on patients who, for different reasons, have continued cyclosporine for more than 2 years. Results: Five patients (2.69%) had been assuming cyclosporine for up to 62 months and had achieved a substantial response with no toxic effects. All of them were concerned about recurrence and all patients had personal reasons to prefer Cyclosporine over other drugs, including: familiar history of neurodegenerative disease, desire for motherhood, easy availability on prescription, systemic scleroderma, belenophobia. Conclusion: Cyclosporine is an acceptable monotherapy for psoriasis in selected patients. The prompt discontinuation of treatment usually results in resolution of any eventual toxicity.