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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
11:39

The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis

Published on: July 11, 2013

Cyclosporin A treatment in severe childhood psoriasis

T M Pereira1, A P Vieira, J C Fernandes

  • 1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Hospital de São Marcos, Braga, Portugal. dermato@hsmbraga.min-saude

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV
|July 14, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Systemic Cyclosporin A (CysA) effectively treated severe childhood psoriasis unresponsive to other therapies. This treatment was well-tolerated, offering a new option for pediatric psoriasis patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dermatology
  • Immunosuppressive Therapy
  • Psoriasis Research

Background:

  • Systemic therapies for severe childhood psoriasis lack systematic investigation.
  • Cyclosporin A (CysA) is effective in adult psoriasis, but pediatric data is limited.

Observation:

  • Six children (11 months–13 years) with severe psoriasis, unresponsive to other treatments, received CysA microemulsion.
  • Doses ranged from 2–4 mg/kg/day for 8–105 weeks, with adjuvant topical therapies.
  • Children were monitored for renal and liver function, and blood pressure.

Findings:

  • Skin lesions improved in 4–30 weeks (mean 12 weeks), with complete remission in three children.
  • Relapses occurred during CysA dose reduction but responded to dose increases.
  • The treatment was well-tolerated with no significant side-effects.

Implications:

  • Cyclosporin A (CysA) can be a safe and effective alternative for severe pediatric psoriasis when other treatments fail.
  • Careful patient selection and regular monitoring are crucial for CysA use in children.
  • Further research into long-term efficacy and safety of CysA in childhood psoriasis is warranted.

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