Treatment of Chronic Plaque Psoriasis with Etanercept and Methotrexate

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of study is to assess the efficacy of methotrexate and etanercept in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis.
 Methods: This therapeutic, interventional comparative single center study was carried out at the Center of Dermatology and Venereology, Baghdad Teaching Hospital, from January 2015 –July 2017. A total of 62 patients were enrolled; divided in to two groups. Group I: Thirty three patients (23 males and 10 females), their ages ranged between15 and 65 years mean ±SD 33.13±13.07, recieved etanercept 50mg twice weekly for 3 months then once weekly thereafter. Group II: Twenty nine patients (19 males and 10 females), their ages ranged between15 and 62 years mean ± SD 38.16±15.2 ,received methotrexate 15 mg per week for six monthes then tapered. Both groups were followed up monthly for 6 months and their PASI score, DLQI, side effect and pictures were recorded.
 Results: Seven patients defaulted from the study for unknown reason,30 patients completed in etanercept group, while 25 patients completed in methotrexate group. After 12 weeks the PASI score decrease from base line 19.13±10.67 to 6.38±4.96 and then to 3.34±5.38 after 24 weeks treatment with Etanercept compaired to reduction in PASI score from base line 18.97±10.54 to 5.72± 4.8 to 2.95±-6.01 after 12 weeks and 24 weeks respectively. There is significant statistical effect in the two groups.
 Conclusions: both are effective monotherapy for patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis with tolerable side effects.