Long-term treatment of psoriasis with calcipotriol scalp solution and cream

The efficacy and safety of long-term concurrent twice-daily treatment of scalp and body psoriasis with calcipotriol scalp solution (50 mcg/ml) and calcipotriol cream (50 mcg/g) were evaluated in a prospective, multi-centre, open-label, non-controlled evaluation over 52 weeks in 202 patients. Safety and efficacy as measured by total sign score (scalp psoriasis), modified PASI (body psoriasis) and patient self-assessment were assessed at week 2, 6 and 10 and thereafter every six weeks. By week 28, mean total sign score for scalp psoriasis had reduced from 5.9 to 2.5 (p<0.001). No further reduction was seen. By week 34, mean PASI for body psoriasis had reduced from 6.8 to 2.6 (p<0.001). No further reduction was seen. At week 52, the percentage of patients assessing their psoriasis as moderate or severe had decreased from 72 to 21% for scalp psoriasis and from 62 to 19% for body psoriasis. Facial irritation was the most frequent adverse event (91/276 events) with the highest incidence occurring at week 2 and few new reports at subsequent visits. There were no significant changes in mean serum calcium, parathormone or urinary calcium/creatinine ratio. Combined treatment with calcipotriol scalp solution and cream was effective and safe for long-term treatment of scalp and body psoriasis.