Topical calcipotriene for morphea/linear scleroderma

Morphea and linear scleroderma are characterized by erythema, induration, telangiectasia, and dyspigmentation. There is no universally effective treatment. Oral calcitriol has been beneficial in the treatment of localized and extensive morphea/scleroderma, but the use of topical calcipotriene has not been reported.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical calcipotriene 0.005% ointment in the treatment of localized scleroderma.

In a 3-month open-label study, 12 patients aged 12 to 38 years with biopsy-documented active morphea or linear scleroderma applied calcipotriene ointment under occlusion twice daily to plaques for 3 months. The condition of each patient had previously failed to respond to potent topical corticosteroids and, for some patients, systemic medications. Efficacy was assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Levels of serum ionized calcium, intact parathyroid hormone, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and of random urinary calcium excretion were measured.

During the 3-month trial, the condition of all 12 patients showed statistically significant improvement in all studied features. No adverse effects were reported or detected through laboratory monitoring of mineral metabolism.

Topical calcipotriene 0.005% ointment may be an effective treatment for localized scleroderma, but double-blind placebo controlled studies are needed for confirmation.