COMBINED ORAL RETINOID AND PUVATHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF PSORIASIS AND PSORIATIC ARTHROPATHY

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 108  (2) , 131-137
Abstract
Combined oral retinoid (RO 10-9359 [Tigason]) and PUVA [8-methoxypsoralen-long wave UV light] therapy were given to 107 patients with psoriasis, 9 of whom had psoriatic arthropathy. Treatment was started with the retinoid at a dose of 1 mg/kg per day and PUVAtherapy added after 2 wk. No other treatment was given. In 100 patients the combined therapy achieved clearing of the lesions, including scalp lesions, in a shorter time and with less total J/cm2 than a group treated by PUVA alone. The remaining 7 patients were not responding to PUVA alone but achieved clearing when the retinoid was added. Five patients of 9 with psoriatic arthropathy responded to the combined therapy. Predictable mild side effects from the retinoid were encountered. The teratogenic risk of retinoid therapy is emphasized. The value of combined retinoid-PUVAtherapy in psoriasis is discussed.