Related Experiment Videos
Systemic chemotherapy for psoriasis: a national survey
Archives of Dermatology
|July 1, 1976
Summary
Methotrexate was the most common systemic chemotherapy for psoriasis in the 1970s, though often used for limited patient numbers. Monitoring via liver biopsy and creatinine clearance tests was infrequent before initiating treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition requiring systemic treatment for severe cases.
- The 1970s saw the emergence of systemic chemotherapeutic agents for psoriasis management.
- Understanding the utilization patterns of these agents is crucial for historical context and patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey the usage of systemic chemotherapeutic agents for psoriasis among U.S. dermatologists.
- To determine the prevalence of methotrexate, hydroxyurea, and azaribine in psoriasis treatment during 1973-1974.
- To analyze prescribing patterns and monitoring practices associated with methotrexate therapy.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was mailed to 510 randomly selected dermatologists in the United States.
- The survey covered the two-year period of 1973 to 1974.
- Data collected included drug usage, patient numbers treated, dosing schedules, and pre-treatment monitoring.
Main Results:
- Methotrexate was used by 52% of dermatologists, hydroxyurea by 10%, and azaribine by 2%.
- 66% of methotrexate users preferred a multiple-dose schedule over 36 hours weekly.
- Pre-treatment liver biopsy and creatinine clearance tests were performed in only 17% and 35% of patients, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Methotrexate was the predominant systemic agent for psoriasis during the study period.
- Limited patient numbers were treated by individual dermatologists, suggesting cautious or selective use.
- Inadequate pre-treatment monitoring for methotrexate raises concerns about potential toxicity and patient safety.