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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
11:39
The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
Intermittent vs. continuous 1-year cyclosporin use in chronic plaque psoriasis
G C Chaidemenos1, O Mourellou, N Avgoustinaki
1Hospital for Skin & Venereal Diseases, State Department of Dermatology & Venereology, Thessaloniki, Greece. cgiorgos@otenet.gr.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV
|September 27, 2007
Summary
Continuous cyclosporine (CyA) therapy offers greater psoriasis improvement than intermittent CyA. However, intermittent CyA requires a lower cumulative dose, making it a viable option for non-responders.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic plaque psoriasis is a significant autoimmune condition impacting quality of life.
- Cyclosporine (CyA) is an immunosuppressant used for moderate to severe psoriasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of intermittent versus continuous cyclosporine (CyA) administration in chronic plaque psoriasis patients.
- To evaluate treatment response based on PASI and DLQI scores.
Main Methods:
- A 51-patient, two-step randomized study assessing CyA (2.5-5 mg/kg/day) over 12 weeks.
- Patients achieving ≥50% PASI reduction entered a 9-month maintenance phase with either continuous or intermittent CyA.
Main Results:
- 78% achieved PASI-75; continuous CyA showed superior efficacy (92% vs. 62%, P=0.008).
- Both groups saw significant DLQI reduction (89%), with no inter-group difference (P=0.214).
- Continuous CyA required 139% of the cumulative dose compared to intermittent therapy.
Conclusions:
- Continuous CyA offers superior physical improvement in psoriasis but necessitates a higher cumulative dose.
- Intermittent CyA is a valuable alternative for patients with suboptimal response or adherence issues.
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