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American Journal of Clinical Dermatology

Published in:

01-02-2001 | Original Research Article

Cyclosporine in Severe Psoriasis

Results of a Meta-Analysis in 579 Patients

Authors: Lothar Faerber, Dr Matthias Braeutigam, Gottfried Weidinger, Ulrich Mrowietz, Enno Christophers, H. J. Schulze, G. Mahrle, Hans Meffert, Sabine Drechsler

Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology | Issue 1/2001

Abstract

Objective

A meta-analysis of 3 major German studies conducted between 1989 and 1994 with cyclosporine in severe psoriasis was performed to allow an integrated evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of cyclosporine in this indication.

Design and Setting

All 3 studies were prospective, randomized, parallel group studies. The studies were conducted in 61 dermatologic centers in Germany.

Patients and Interventions

The studies involved 597 patients with severe plaque type psoriasis. Treatment consisted of cyclosporine (at a dosage of 1.25, 2.5 or 5 mg/kg/day), etretinate (at a mean daily dose of 0.53 mg/kg/day) or placebo in a total of 756 treatment cycles with a maximum duration of 12 weeks.

Main outcome measures: The main outcome measures were the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and

serum creatinine level.

Results

The meta-analysis revealed that cyclosporine given in a dosage of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg/day was significantly superior to etretinate. In addition cyclosporine 1.25 mg/kg/day proved to be significantly more effective than placebo. An increase in serum creatinine level that required intervention occurred in 3.4% of cyclosporine treatment cycles.

Conclusion

Cyclosporine is highly effective and well tolerated in the short term treatment of severe psoriasis.

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Title: Cyclosporine in Severe Psoriasis
Results of a Meta-Analysis in 579 Patients
Authors: Lothar Faerber
Dr Matthias Braeutigam
Gottfried Weidinger
Ulrich Mrowietz
Enno Christophers
H. J. Schulze
G. Mahrle
Hans Meffert
Sabine Drechsler
Publication date: 01-02-2001
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology / Issue 1/2001
Print ISSN: 1175-0561
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1888
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200102010-00007

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Cyclosporine in Severe Psoriasis

Results of a Meta-Analysis in 579 Patients

Abstract

Objective

Design and Setting

Patients and Interventions

Main outcome measures: The main outcome measures were the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and

Results

Conclusion

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Design and Setting

Patients and Interventions

Main outcome measures: The main outcome measures were the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and

Results

Conclusion

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