Methotrexate Treatment for Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris: A Case Series and Literature Review
Lukas Koch1, Clemens Schöffl, Werner Aberer
1Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, AT-8036 Graz, Austria.
Abstract:
Treatment recommendations for pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) are based solely on case reports and small case series, as to-date no randomized controlled trials are available. We present here a case series of 3 patients and a literature review of 28 studies treating a total of 116 patients, with the aim of providing data regarding efficacy and safety of methotrexate in the treatment of PRP. Methotrexate was effective in our patients; the review showed an overall response rate of 65.5% with complete clearing in 23.3% and excellent improvement in 17.2%, respectively. After excluding studies with other concurrent systemic therapies or low reliability, the overall response rate increased to 90.9%, with complete clearing in 40.9% and excellent improvement in 31.8%, respectively. Sixteen adverse reactions, of which 11 were mild, were observed in 15 patients (12.9%). In conclusion, the available literature supports good response rates and safety of methotrexate in PRP.
Insights
Methotrexate is an effective treatment for pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP), a rare skin condition. This review of 116 patients shows significant improvement and good safety, supporting its use.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) lacks randomized controlled trials for treatment guidance.
- Current recommendations rely on limited case reports and small series.
Observation:
- This study includes a case series of 3 patients and a literature review of 28 studies (116 patients).
- Methotrexate efficacy and safety in PRP treatment were evaluated.
Findings:
- Methotrexate demonstrated an overall response rate of 65.5% in the initial review.
- After excluding unreliable data, the response rate improved to 90.9%, with 40.9% complete clearing.
- 12.9% of patients experienced adverse reactions, mostly mild.
Implications:
- The findings support methotrexate as a viable and safe therapeutic option for pityriasis rubra pilaris.
- Further research may establish standardized treatment protocols for PRP.
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