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Calcipotriol versus coal tar: a prospective randomized study in stable plaque psoriasis
Vikas Sharma1, Inderjeet Kaur, Bhushan Kumar
1Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
International Journal of Dermatology
|October 3, 2003
Summary
Topical calcipotriol offers a faster initial response for stable plaque psoriasis (SPP) compared to coal tar. After 12 weeks, both treatments showed comparable efficacy and similar relapse rates.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Topical therapies are standard for stable plaque psoriasis (SPP) affecting limited body surface areas.
- Limited comparative trials exist for newer agents like 0.005% topical calcipotriol versus conventional treatments such as coal tar ointment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and acceptability of 0.005% topical calcipotriol with 5% coal tar ointment in patients with stable plaque psoriasis.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week prospective, randomized, investigator-blinded study.
- Patients applied calcipotriol to one side and coal tar to the other, with daily sun exposure.
- Psoriatic lesion severity (ESI score) was evaluated bi-weekly; patient self-assessment and biochemical monitoring were also performed.
Main Results:
- Calcipotriol demonstrated a statistically significant faster initial response at 8 weeks (65.7% vs 45.8% ESI reduction; P < 0.01).
- At 12 weeks, both treatments showed comparable efficacy (71.9% vs 69.4% ESI reduction; P > 0.05).
- Recurrence rates were similar between calcipotriol (10%) and coal tar (16.7%) during the 8-week follow-up.
Conclusions:
- 0.005% calcipotriol provides a quicker initial response and better cosmetic acceptability for SPP.
- After 12 weeks of treatment, coal tar ointment demonstrates comparable efficacy to calcipotriol.
- No significant difference in relapse rates was observed between the two topical treatments.