Combination therapy of methotrexate plus NBUVB phototherapy is more effective than methotrexate monotherapy in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis.

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of methotrexate (MTX) plus narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy in treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis has been rarely assessed.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of MTX/NBUVB phototherapy versus MTX monotherapy in treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis.

METHODS

Forty patients with psoriasis were enrolled into the study and classified into group A receiving oral MTX and group B receiving oral MTX plus NBUVB. Onset of improvement was ≤70% of baseline PASI. End point clearance was 90 % reduction in PASI or up to 6 months. Side effects were reported. Follow up for 12 weeks for assessment of relapse was done.

RESULTS

Of 40 patients, 35 completed the study. A higher clearance rate was achieved in patients of group B versus group A (100% versus 83%). A significant difference was reported regarding the onset of improvement and the duration required for clearance (p < 0.001) in favor of the MTX/NBUVB group. Patients in group B had a highly significant lower cumulative dose of MTX than the monotherapy group (p < 0.05). No significant difference as regard side effects and relapse was reported.

CONCLUSION

MTX remains the mainstay in the treatment of psoriasis in developing countries and its combination with NBUVB offers a cheap and a beneficial therapeutic option.