Related Experiment Videos
Methotrexate for psoriasis: current European practice. A postal survey
1Sir Paul Boffa Hospital, Floriana VLT 14, Malta. mjboffa@global.net.mt
Summary
Methotrexate remains a primary systemic treatment for psoriasis in Europe, despite varying monitoring practices among dermatologists. Further research is needed to standardize methotrexate dosing and folate supplementation.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Methotrexate is a widely used systemic treatment for severe psoriasis.
- Current European dermatologists' practices for methotrexate use and monitoring are not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey current European dermatologists' practices regarding the use and monitoring of methotrexate therapy for psoriasis.
Main Methods:
- A structured questionnaire was mailed to 150 dermatologists across 32 European countries in June 2002.
- Sixty-nine dermatologists responded, with 59 regularly prescribing methotrexate.
Main Results:
- Methotrexate was the most common systemic psoriasis treatment (4.4/10 patients), followed by acitretin and cyclosporine.
- Myelosuppression was the most frequent fatal side effect.
- Routine baseline liver biopsy was uncommon; serum PIIINP for fibrosis monitoring was used by 20% of prescribers.
Conclusions:
- Methotrexate continues to be a central therapy for severe psoriasis in Europe.
- Significant variations exist in methotrexate dosing and folate supplementation, highlighting the need for controlled studies.