Spotlight on calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate in psoriasis vulgaris of the trunk, limbs, and scalp

Calcipotriene (calcipotriol)/betamethasone dipropionate (calcipotriene 50 μg/g and betamethasone 0.5 mg/g) is a fixed-dose combination of a vitamin D3 analog and a corticosteroid indicated for the once-daily, topical treatment of psoriasis vulgaris of the trunk, limbs, and scalp in adults. Both the ointment (Daivobet®; Dovobet®) and gel (Xamiol®; Daivobet® Gel; Dovobet® Gel) formulations of calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate can be used to treat psoriasis vulgaris of the trunk and/or limbs, although the gel formulation was specifically developed for the treatment of scalp psoriasis. This article reviews the efficacy and tolerability of calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate in patients with psoriasis vulgaris, as well as summarizing its pharmacologic properties. Calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate has low systemic absorption and displays local anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties. It reduces the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and helps normalize keratinocyte differentiation. In large, well designed clinical trials, calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate, either as the ointment or the gel formulation, applied once daily for 4-8 weeks, was more effective than placebo, calcipotriene, or tacalcitol, as well as betamethasone dipropionate in most instances, for the topical, symptomatic treatment of psoriasis vulgaris of the trunk/limbs. Likewise, calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate gel applied once daily for 8 weeks was more effective than placebo or either component alone in the topical, symptomatic treatment of psoriasis vulgaris of the scalp. Long-term, once-daily, when required therapy with calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate for 52 weeks was more effective than calcipotriene alone for the treatment of scalp psoriasis, and was at least as effective as switching to calcipotriene for 48 weeks after 4 weeks of calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate or alternating between calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate and calcipotriene every 4 weeks for 52 weeks in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris of the trunk/limbs. Calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate also improved health-related quality of life. Calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate was generally well tolerated, with most adverse drug reactions being lesional or perilesional effects of mild or moderate severity. Calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate was often associated with fewer lesional/perilesional adverse reactions than calcipotriene or tacalcitol and did not appear to be associated with a higher incidence of corticosteroid-related adverse events during long-term therapy. Pharmacoeconomic analyses predicted calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate to be more cost effective than other topical therapies. Thus, calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate is an important, effective, once-daily, topical therapy for the symptomatic treatment of psoriasis vulgaris of the trunk, limbs, and scalp.

An open-label, multicenter study of the efficacy and safety of a weekday/weekend treatment regimen with calcitriol ointment 3 microg/g and clobetasol propionate spray 0.05% in the management of plaque psoriasis

High-potency topical corticosteroids are the cornerstone of psoriasis therapy. Although highly effective, long-term use of topical steroids can cause adverse side effects. Additionally, steroids alone do not address the multiple pathophysiologic factors that cause the disease. Psoriasis regimens that utilize high-potency steroids combined with nonsteroid-containing products such as vitamin D analogs have been used for many years to manage the disease, not only for the short-term treatment of the disease but also for long-term treatment to minimize the recurrence of symptoms. We report an open-label, multicenter study designed to evaluate a weekday/ weekend treatment regimen involving calcitriol ointment 3 microg/g and clobetasol propionate spray 0.05% for moderate plaque psoriasis. Participants applied calcitriol ointment 3 microg/g twice daily on the weekdays and clobetasol propionate spray 0.05% twice daily on the weekends for up to 4 weeks. Participants were evaluated at baseline, week 2, and week 4. The results of this study demonstrate that a 4-week regimen of calcitriol ointment 3 microg/g treatment on weekdays and clobetasol propionate spray 0.05% on weekends is effective and well-tolerated for the treatment of moderate plaque psoriasis.

Hypoparathyroidism in pregnancy

Pregnancy and lactation are associated with remarkable changes in calcium homeostasis, resulting from pregnancy-induced alterations in the production, metabolism and excretion of calcium and calcitropic hormones. Therefore, the clinical course of disorders affecting the parathyroid glands during pregnancy and lactation is often atypical. As the symptoms experienced by patients with parathyroid disorders are not specific, their diagnosis during gestation and breastfeeding may be sometimes very difficult. If left untreated, parathyroid disorders may pose a significant risk to the mother and fetus associated with increased perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Hypoparathyroidism is a disorder rarely observed during pregnancy, resulting in most cases from surgical thyroidectomy. In our article, we present the case of a 32-year-old female with primary hypoparathyroidism diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy. We describe in details the treatment strategies undertaken in this patient and their impact on the outcome of pregnancy and lactation.

Topical calcipotriene 0.005% and betamethasone dipropionate 0.064% maintains efficacy of etanercept after step-down dose in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: results of an open label trial

Etanercept is approved for the treatment of plaque psoriasis at a subcutaneous (SC) dosage of 50 mg twice-weekly for three months, followed by 50 mg SC once-weekly thereafter. It is of note, however, that many patients experience loss of efficacy when they step down to etanercept 50 mg/week, often instigating a switch to another biological. The current pilot study investigated the adjunctive use of a topical calcipotriene 0.005% and betamethasone dipropionate 0.064% combination ointment, approved for the treatment of psoriasis, to sustain the original efficacy of etanercept by augmenting response to the 50 mg/week SC dose, thus stabilizing the disease.

TRIAL DESIGN

In this single-center, open-label study, subjects (n=20) underwent 12 weeks treatment with etanercept 100 mg/week (50 mg, 2x week; weeks -12 to -1), followed by etanercept 50 mg/week maintenance therapy for 40 weeks (weeks 0 to 40). Subjects were followed at four-week intervals. Starting at week 4, subjects who demonstrated an increase from baseline (week 0) body surface area (BSA) of is greater than 2% initiated therapy with calcipotriene 0.005% and betamethasone dipropionate 0.064% ointment for four weeks. The study is limited by its small sample size, open-label nature, and lack of blinding.

FINDINGS

Mean BSA involvement decreased significantly from week -12 to 0 with etanercept 50 mg twice a week. At week 4, on the etanercept 50 mg/week dose, mean BSA increased to 9.42 ± 9.39 compared to week 0. With introduction of calcipotriene 0.005%/betamethasone dipropionate 0.064% ointment at week 4, mean BSA decreased to 4.62 ± 8.19 by week 24 and was relatively stable for the remainder of the study period. Similarly, mean PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) scores improved from week -12 to week 0, increased at week 4, then decreased significantly by week 24 with adjunctive topical treatment.

CONCLUSION

Topical calcipotriene 0.005% and betamethasone dipropionate 0.064% ointment is a safe and effective adjunct to etanercept 50 mg/week maintenance therapy.

A multi-center, open-label study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a sequential treatment regimen of clobetasol propionate 0.05% spray followed by Calcitriol 3 mg/g ointment in the management of plaque psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a hyperproliferative and inflammatory skin disorder that affects roughly 2 percent of the worldwide population. Clobetasol propionate is the most common corticosteroid used to treat moderate-to-severe psoriasis but the potential for side effects limits its long-term use. Topical vitamin D, which is used to treat mild-to-moderate psoriasis, has been shown to be safe when used daily for up to 52 weeks. To date, very few studies exist evaluating the use of clobetasol propionate in a regimen with calcitriol to manage moderate-to-severe disease over time.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and assess safety of a regimen of sequential topical treatments with clobetasol propionate 0.05% spray for up to four weeks followed by calcitriol 3 μg/g ointment for eight weeks in the management of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

METHODS

This was a multi-center, open-label study in subjects aged 18-80 years with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis at baseline. Subjects applied clobetasol propionate 0.05% spray twice daily for up to four weeks. At the end of four weeks, if the subject's overall disease severity (ODS) was assessed as clear, almost clear, mild or moderate, subjects started treatment with calcitriol 3 μg/g ointment twice daily. Twice-daily treatment with calcitriol 3 μg/g ointment continued for eight weeks (until week 12) or unless the subject's ODS was assessed as severe or returned to the baseline score, at which time it was discontinued. Subjects were evaluated at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, 8 and 12.

RESULTS

Of the 305 subjects enrolled, 170 subjects completed the full 12-week study with no major protocol deviations and comprised the per-protocol (PP) study population. Treatment success, defined as at least one grade improvement in ODS at week 12 compared to baseline, was achieved in 84.1 percent of subjects. The percent body surface area affected (% BSA) decreased from 7.1 percent at baseline to 3.9 percent at week 12 (P<0.001). The sequential treatment regimen was well tolerated with no unexpected adverse events. Most reported adverse events and cutaneous irritations were mild in severity.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that the 12-week regimen of clobetasol propionate 0.05% spray treatment for four weeks immediately followed by an eight-week treatment phase with calcitriol 3 μg/g ointment is efficacious and safe for the management of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

The effectiveness of two-compound formulation calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate gel in the treatment of moderately severe scalp psoriasis: a systematic review of direct and indirect evidence

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the two-compound formulation (TCF) calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate (BDP) gel versus other topical therapies for scalp psoriasis in adults using direct and indirect comparisons.

METHODS

A systematic review identified 10 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of topical treatments used in clinical practice for moderately severe scalp psoriasis. A meta-analysis was undertaken to obtain estimates of clinical effectiveness using recommended efficacy and safety outcome measures. We determined the proportion of responding patients using two definitions: i) 'controlled disease' using the Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) rating scale and ii) a score of 0 or 1 on the Total Sign Score (TSS). Tolerability was extracted in terms of percentages of patients experiencing all adverse events (AEs), skin AEs and withdrawals due to AEs. Direct comparisons were performed where head-to-head data were available. For other comparators where TCF gel was compared indirectly, 'pairs' of trials were compared on the basis of a common comparator using meta-regression in order to derive an indirect comparison estimate, while preserving randomisation within trials. Assumptions of comparability were considered regarding study homogeneity (data can be pooled in a meta-analysis), similarity of trials (clinical and methodological) and consistency of findings from direct and indirect evidence.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis showed that TCF gel was statistically significantly more effective than other topical treatments in terms of achieving a response defined according to both IGA and TSS criteria. TCF gel was generally associated with a statistically significant lower risk of AEs, skin AEs or patients withdrawing from RCTs due to AEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Although direct and indirect evidence in this analysis is sparse, this indirect comparison suggests that the TCF gel has significant benefits over other topical therapies considered in the routine management of patients with moderately severe scalp psoriasis. Despite other analysis limitations in terms of study heterogeneity inevitable across an evidence base spanning decades, these results were consistent, using a number of efficacy and tolerability outcome measures.

Cost effectiveness of the two-compound formulation calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate gel in the treatment of scalp psoriasis in Scotland

OBJECTIVES

To compare the cost effectiveness of the two-compound formulation (TCF) calcipotriol plus betamethasone dipropionate gel used first-, second- or third-line to standard topical treatments for moderately severe scalp psoriasis from a Scottish NHS perspective.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Treatment pathways for scalp psoriasis patients in primary care were defined by Scottish prescribing statistics, an interview programme and published sources. The extensive 1-year Markov model included 12 different topical treatment pathways, each simulating three lines of therapy. Seven pathways contained the TCF gel in first-, second- or third-line. The remaining five pathways were included as comparators, reflecting the heterogeneity across clinical practice. The cost effectiveness of TCF gel was compared to the average of five non-TCF gel pathways. The clinical effectiveness measure was the ability of topical treatments to control disease at 4 weeks. Response rates were derived from indirect comparisons of ten randomised controlled trials. Utilities were elicited from SF-36 (v2) scores in one TCF gel trial. The main outcome was the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). Extensive sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the results.

RESULTS

TCF gel used first-, second- or third-line was projected to increase QALYs (around 0.0025) with cost savings per patient (£20-30) over 1 year. The study analysis acknowledged a number of limitations including lack of quality comparator data, the need to make assumptions in the absence of evidence and lack of model validation. However the results showed that TCF gel was the dominant treatment strategy across a broad range of credible scenarios.

CONCLUSIONS

Scalp psoriasis is difficult to treat. Many different topical preparations can be used but several factors such as greasiness, irritation, time needed to apply, and lack of efficacy often result in reduced adherence to treatment regimens. Where cosmetic properties are important for patient acceptability and compliance is a major issue contributing to treatment failure, the once-daily TCF gel offers patients with scalp psoriasis an attractive, cost-saving treatment option.

Comparative effectiveness of active oral vitamin D agents in patients on peritoneal dialysis

Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) has become positioned to inform health care decision-making with passage of the health care reform law, "Patient Protection and Affordability Care Act of 2010". As the name suggests, CER attempts to understand the relative efficacy between two therapies to allow clinicians, health care providers, and others to make rational decisions when evaluating therapeutic options. This is particularly relevant in the nephrology community as the dawn of bundled payments approaches. The current evidence base for CER studies is especially curtailed as a result of limited head-to-head clinical trials in patients with end-stage renal disease. Specifically, CER for available oral vitamin D agents approved for use in ESRD is lacking. The inclusion of oral vitamin D in the bundled payment system in 2011 may lead more clinicians to examine which oral vitamin D analog to prescribe to their patients, making this an especially timely topic.

[The role of D2 vitamin metabolite paricalcitol in nephroprotective strategy in chronic disease of the kidneys]

Calcitriol is important in nephroprotective strategy in chronic disease of the kidneys (CDK). However, its long-term use often results in hypercalciemia with metastatic calcification. Compared to calcitriol, paricalcitol (zemplar)--metabolite of vitamin D2--leads to hypercalciemia less frequently, has a more potent nephroprotective effect and more rapidly decreases blood levels of parathyroid hormone. Paricalcitol in combination with lozartan has more pronounced nephroprotective effect. Morphological analysis detected inhibition of development of glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. A cardioprotective effect of paricalcitol manifests with reduction of mortality from cardiovascular complications both at CDKpredialysis stage and in regular hemodialysis.

The two-compound formulation of calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate for treatment of moderately severe body and scalp psoriasis - an introduction

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease and many patients require lifelong treatment. Characteristic scaly, itchy, unsightly psoriatic lesions affect many body areas and most patients commonly experience scalp involvement. The cosmetic embarrassment of visible body lesions, inaccessibility of scalp skin to application of therapies and proximity of sensitive facial skin add to the challenges of most patients managing their psoriasis long term. Psoriasis can severely impact patients' quality of life. This can impact significantly on the patient. In economic terms patients may incur increased out-of-pocket expenditure or extended time away from work as a direct consequence of psoriasis, particularly in severe cases; In many countries, specialist review of patients provides pressures on hard-pressed services and the costs of psoriasis care are substantial, particularly in patients with severe recalcitrant psoriasis which may require lengthy inpatient admission. Around 80% of patients with psoriasis have mild to moderately severe disease and the majority are treated with topical medicines by their physician in primary care. Despite the availability of a wide range of treatment options, regimens have been unsatisfactory, associated with patient dissatisfaction, poor compliance and often safety concerns with long-term use. Evidence-based clinical guidelines aim to improve healthcare of patients and while there are such guidelines for psoriasis, to date the challenges of (and recommendations for) managing scalp psoriasis are often limited or missing from these treatment guidelines. In the following in-journal supplement, a connected suite of five papers focus on the use of topical therapies for the treatment of the person afflicted with psoriasis. This work harnesses robust evidence from randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of topical therapies commonly used in psoriasis patients and translates this into recommendations for the most appropriate treatment of patients with body or scalp psoriasis, from an efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness perspective. Based upon systematic review and harnessing 'state of the art' evidence assessment methodologies, the modelling work suggests that the use of a two-compound formulation (TCF) product of calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate is the most appropriate treatment option for both body and scalp psoriasis. This Editorial acknowledges the results of any modelling exercise have limitations; indeed such limitations are acknowledged in each modelling contribution in this issue. With these caveats in mind, this introductory paper considers the implications of this research and distillation of the evidence. This work should guide cost-effective treatment choices for body and scalp psoriasis, assist in recommendations for management of scalp psoriasis in future iterations of psoriasis clinical guidelines and help primary care physicians striving to attain best outcomes in the care of the person with psoriasis.

Mixed treatment comparison of a two-compound formulation (TCF) product containing calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate with other topical treatments in psoriasis vulgaris

OBJECTIVE

The efficacy of the two-compound formulation (TCF) product containing calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate applied once daily in psoriasis has been demonstrated in phase III trials but no randomised clinical trial comparing all commonly used topical treatments exists. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of once-daily use of the TCF product relative to other commonly used topical agents in plaque psoriasis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data on change in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score from baseline and PASI 75 (percentage of patients achieving a 75% reduction in PASI score), after 4 weeks of treatment were obtained by means of a systematic literature review of randomised controlled trials and synthesised with a Bayesian mixed treatment comparison meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Relative to all active interventions, except for the unlicensed twice-daily application of the TCF product, the TCF once daily showed a greater efficacy based on PASI 75 response (relative risk ranging from 1.22 to 3.18) and improvement in PASI score from baseline (difference in % CFB PASI between TCF once daily and other active interventions ranged from 4.01 to 49.68).

CONCLUSION

Among topical therapies evaluated, TCF once daily can be considered the most efficacious treatment for plaque psoriasis.

Short- and long-term safety assessment of a two-compound ointment containing calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate (Taclonex/Daivobet/Dovobet ointment): hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in patients with psoriasis vulgaris

The two-compound ointment (Taclonex/Daivobet/Dovobet ointment) combining calcipotriene 50 microg/g and betamethasone 0.5 mg/g (as dipropionate) is very effective in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris. There is a possibility that hypothalamo-pituitary-axis (HPA) suppression may occur if the potent corticosteroid component is absorbed to a sufficient extent. The effect of the two-compound ointment on HPA axis function was assessed in two studies. Study 1 was a four-week, double-blind study which compared the effects of the two-compound ointment with betamethasone 0.5 mg/g (as dipropionate; Diprosone) ointment in 24 patients with extensive psoriasis (involving 15-30% of the body surface area). No patients receiving the two-compound ointment had HPA axis suppression. Study 2 assessed HPA axis function after four and 52 weeks in a subset of patients (n = 19) participating in a long-term safety study. Patients were treated with the two-compound ointment for the first four weeks followed by 48 weeks of treatment as needed with either 1) two-compound ointment; 2) two-compound ointment alternating with calcipotriene four-weekly or 3) calcipotriene. No patients using the two-compound ointment for all 52 weeks or alternating four-weekly with calcipotriene had HPA axis suppression.

Hypercalciuria and nephrolithiasis on long-term follow-up of pseudo-vitamin D deficiency rickets

A case of pseudovitamin D deficiency (Vitamin D dependent rickets type I) is presented, who initially responded to physiological doses of calcitriol but developed nephrolithiasis and hypercalciuria around puberty. Hypercalciuria was corrected after stopping calcitriol. Pseudo vitamin D deficiency rickets also called vitamin D dependent rickets type I (VDDR 1) is an uncommon cause of rickets. Patients appear normal at birth and manifests with signs between the ages of two months to two years. Muscle weakness is prominent, radiographic features are striking and response to calciferols is complete. Hypercalciuria and nephrolithiasis are uncommon in the untreated disease but can develop due to overtreatment with calcitriol or oral calcium. Here we report a patient who developed hypercalciuria and nephrolithiasis around puberty while on maintenance dose of calcitriol and oral calcium.

Long-term treatment of 12 children with chronic hypoparathyroidism: a randomized trial comparing synthetic human parathyroid hormone 1-34 versus calcitriol and calcium

CONTEXT

Hypoparathyroidism is among the few hormonal insufficiency states not treated with replacement of the missing hormone. This is the first randomized controlled study in children comparing treatment with synthetic human PTH 1-34 and calcitriol.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of long-term PTH 1-34 vs. calcitriol treatment in the maintenance of normal serum calcium values and renal calcium excretion in children with hypoparathyroidism.

SETTING

The study was conducted at a clinical research center.

SUBJECTS

Subjects included 12 children aged 5-14 yr with chronic hypoparathyroidism and without severe renal or hepatic insufficiency.

STUDY DESIGN

The study was a 3-yr randomized parallel trial comparing twice-daily calcitriol (plus calcium and cholecalciferol in four daily doses) vs. s.c. PTH 1-34 treatment, with weekly or biweekly monitoring of serum and urine calcium.

RESULTS

Mean predose serum calcium levels were maintained at, or just below, the normal range, and urine calcium levels remained in the normal range throughout the 3-yr study, with no significant differences between treatment groups. Creatinine clearance, corrected for body surface area, did not differ between groups and remained normal throughout the study. Markers of bone turnover were mildly elevated during PTH 1-34 therapy and remained within the normal range during calcitriol therapy. Mean bone mineral density Z-scores at the anterior-posterior lumbar spine, femoral neck, distal radius, and whole body remained within the normal range and did not differ between groups throughout the study. Similarly, height and weight percentiles did not differ between treatment groups and remained normal throughout the 3-yr follow-up.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that PTH 1-34 therapy is safe and effective in maintaining stable calcium homeostasis in children with hypoparathyroidism. Additionally, PTH 1-34 treatment allowed normal skeletal development because there were no differences in bone mineral accrual, linear growth, or weight gain between the two treatment arms over the 3-yr study period.

Severe hypercalcemia in a patient treated for hypoparathyroidism with calcitriol

Long term administration of calcitriol (1,25 - dihydroxyvitamin D) is recommended for the treatment of a number of endocrine and renal disorders associated with impaired calcium - phosphate metabolism. Administration of calcitriol, however, may give rise to undesirable side effects, such as hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria. The magnitude of hypercalcemia is the key consideration in determining the need for immediate and aggressive therapy. There are four main strategies for lowering serum calcium: decreasing intestinal calcium absorption; increasing urinary excretion; decreasing bone resorption; and removing excess calcium through dialysis. We report on an adolescent with thalassemia who developed severe hypercalcemia during regular clinical follow-up for hypoparathyroidism treatment with calcitriol and calcium. He was also receiving levothyroxine for primary hypothyroidism and iron chelation therapy with desferioxamine mesylate for the severe iron overload.

Efficacy and tolerability of a cosmetically acceptable coal tar solution in the treatment of moderate plaque psoriasis: a controlled comparison with calcipotriene (calcipotriol) cream

BACKGROUND

Topical coal tar is a well known and effective treatment for psoriasis, but the messiness, staining, odor, and inconvenience associated with its use make patient satisfaction and compliance a challenge.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy, patient tolerability, and cosmetic acceptability of a new topical liquor carbonis distillate (LCD) 15% solution compared with calcipotriene (calcipotriol) cream in patients with moderate, chronic plaque psoriasis.

STUDY DESIGN

A randomized, single-blind, active-controlled, parallel-group, clinical trial consisting of a 12-week treatment phase and a 6-week post-treatment follow-up phase.

SETTING

Outpatient dermatology research unit in an academic hospital.

PATIENTS

Sixty adults with moderate, chronic plaque psoriasis (3-15% body surface area affected) not receiving other psoriasis therapies.

INTERVENTION

Patients were randomized to apply either an LCD 15% solution (Psorent) or a commercially available calcipotriene 0.005% cream (Dovonex) to their psoriasis areas (excluding the head) twice daily at home for 12 weeks.

ASSESSMENTS

A blinded investigator evaluated the patients' psoriasis using a modified Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) that excluded the head, and a Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) scale at weeks 0 (baseline), 2, 4, 8, and 12 (end of treatment), and 18 (6 weeks after treatment was withdrawn). Patients assessed their psoriasis symptoms and quality of life and completed a cosmetic acceptability survey about their medication.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The changes in the baseline PASI scores after 12 weeks of treatment were compared between LCD and calcipotriene groups. Additional comparisons were performed for success rates during treatment (PASI 75 and PASI 50), changes in PGA scores, patient-reported psoriasis symptom scores, patients' quality-of-life scores, and recurrence rates during post-treatment follow-up.

RESULTS

Both treatment groups showed improvement in psoriasis severity and quality of life. However, the LCD group had greater mean reductions in PASI scores: 58% vs 37% in the calcipotriene group (p < 0.05) at week 12. Additionally, the LCD group had more patients (14/27) with absent or minimal psoriasis on the PGA scale than the calcipotriene group (6/28) by the end of treatment (p < 0.05). LCD-treated patients also maintained their improvement better than calcipotriene-treated patients through week 18 after treatment was withdrawn for 6 weeks. Both treatments were well tolerated and cosmetically acceptable to patients.

CONCLUSION

The newly formulated LCD solution, applied twice daily at home for 12 weeks, was more effective and as well tolerated and cosmetically acceptable as the calcipotriene cream over 12 weeks of treatment and 6 weeks of follow-up. The LCD solution is a patient-accepted and effective corticosteroid-sparing treatment alternative for psoriasis patients.

Tolerability and cosmetic acceptability of liquor carbonis distillate (coal tar) solution 15% as topical therapy for plaque psoriasis

Although generally recognized as an effective therapy for psoriasis, coal tar therapy lost appeal in modern clinical practice due to poor patient acceptability of its aesthetic properties. A new liquor carbonis distillate (LCD) solution 15% (equivalent to coal tar 2.3%) that uses an evaporative and transparent vehicle, fragrance, and a dab-on applicator was developed. Cosmetic acceptability of the LCD solution was compared to calcipotriene cream 0.005% during a randomized, active-controlled, investigator-blinded clinical trial. Participants with moderate plaque psoriasis applied LCD solution or calcipotriene cream twice daily to body lesions for 12 weeks and then were followed for 6 additional weeks without treatment. Participants completed a cosmetic acceptability survey about their medications after starting therapy. Mean ratings for aesthetic and product performance attributes were high in both groups; however, more participants treated with LCD solution versus calcipotriene cream rated their product as more convenient and beneficial compared to prior psoriasis therapies. Ratings of the scent, staining, drying time, and dab-on applicator for the LCD solution were favorable. Participant experience with LCD solution in this study suggests that it is a cosmetically acceptable psoriasis treatment that is comparable to calcipotriene cream.

Childhood psoriasis: often favorable outcome

(1) Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis in children. Topical agents should be tried first, especially well-tolerated products such as emollients. Topical corticosteroids are sometimes useful during exacerbations but, given adverse effects, they should only be used for short periods; (2) UVB phototherapy is an option for extensive psoriasis refractory to local treatments, but it carries a long-term risk of skin cancer. Immunosuppressants have not been well assessed in this setting, but methotrexate has been better evaluated than the others.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway regulates inflammatory mediators-induced calcification of human vascular smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND

Vascular calcification is a clinically significant component of atherosclerosis and may be promoted by inflammatory stimuli. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of cell metabolism, survival, migration, and inflammatory responses in various cell types.

METHODS

In this study, we investigated the roles of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in human vascular smooth muscle cell (HVSMC) calcification induced by the inflammatory mediators (IM) including interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, oncostatin M, and 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

RESULTS

Pharmacological inhibition of PI3K with wortmannin dose-dependently increased IM-induced HVSMC calcification. IM-induced expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in HVSMC was also augmented by wortmannin, while wortmannin did not induce apoptosis of HVSMCs in the presence or absence of IM. Moreover, wortmannin inhibited Akt activation in HVSMC by shortterm exposure to IM. Overexpression of wild-type or dominant-negative forms of Akt significantly attenuated or enhanced IM-induced ALP expression in HVSMC, respectively. Furthermore, suppression of Akt with siRNA significantly intensified IM-induced ALP expression in HVSMC.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that PI3K/Akt pathway may play an inhibitory role in IM-induced HVSMC calcification through regulating ALP expression.

Vitamin D supplementation for cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder with multiorgan effects. In a subgroup with pancreatic insufficiency malabsorption of the fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) may occur. Vitamin D is involved in calcium homeostasis and bone mineralisation and may have extraskeletal effects. This review examines the evidence for vitamin D supplementation in CF.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the frequency of vitamin D deficiency, respiratory outcomes and vitamin D toxicity in the CF population.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane CF and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings.Most recent search: 09 June 2009.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation compared to placebo in the CF population regardless of exocrine pancreatic function.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Both authors independently assessed the 'risk of bias' of each included trial and extracted outcome data (from published trial information) for assessment of bone mineralization, growth and nutritional status, frequency of vitamin D deficiency, respiratory status, quality of life and adverse events.

MAIN RESULTS

Three studies are included, although only data from two were available (41 adults and children with CF). One of these studies compared supplemental 800 international units (IU) vitamin D and placebo for 12 months in 30 osteopenic pancreatic insufficient adults; both groups continued 900 IU vitamin D daily. The other (abstract only) compared supplemental 1g calcium alone, 1600 IU vitamin D alone, 1600 IU vitamin D and 1g calcium and placebo in a double-blind randomised cross-over trial; only 11 children (vitamin D and placebo groups) after six-months supplementation are included; inclusion criteria, pancreatic sufficiency or disease status of participants are not defined. There were no significant differences in primary or secondary outcomes in either study. The studies are not directly comparable due to differences in supplementation, outcome reporting and possibly participant characteristics (eg severity of lung disease, growth and nutrition, pancreatic sufficiency). There were no adverse events in either study. The third study (abstract only) compared daily calcitriol (0.25 or 0.5 micrograms) with placebo in pancreatic insufficient children and young adults, only pre-intervention data were available.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence of benefit or harm in the limited number of small-sized published trials. Adherence to relevant CF guidelines on vitamin D should be considered until further evidence is available.

Calcitriol (Vectical) for mild to moderate plaque psoriasis

The FDA has approved calcitriol ointment (Vectical--Galderma), a vitamin D analog, for topical treatment of mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis in adults >or = 18 years old. Ointments are generally considered more potent than creams or solutions.