ABSTRACT
Background: Psoriasis is a common hyperproliferative disorder of the skin associated with significant morbidity. Most of the drugs used in psoriasis provide only a temporary relief, whereas they are riddled with potential toxicities and cost concerns. Hence, there is a constant need to explore newer, effective, orally administered, and cost-effective drugs with minimal adverse effects. In this scenario, propylthiouracil (PTU), an antithyroid thioureylene has been shown to be effective in psoriasis which satisfies the above criteria. Aim: The objective of our study is to assess the clinical efficacy of PTU in psoriasis. Methods: A total of 25 patients with plaque psoriasis were treated with oral PTU for 12 weeks. Clinical response was assessed using the "Psoriasis Area and Severity Index" (PASI) score. Routine blood analyses and thyroid function tests were carried out periodically during the study. Results: Oral PTU produced significant clearing of lesions at 6 weeks and 12 weeks of the study period in all patients, as demonstrated by the reduction in PASI scores (33.9% in 6 weeks and 74.1% reduction in 12 weeks). Four patients experienced near complete clearing of the lesions. One patient developed mild elevation of liver enzymes which reversed on withdrawal of PTU. None of the patients had hypothyroidism or cytopenias. Conclusion: PTU significantly clears the lesions in psoriasis with minimal adverse effects. Hence, it can be considered as a therapeutic option in psoriasis, especially when the standard drugs cannot be used due to their toxicities or forbidding cost.
ABSTRACT
Background: Psoriasis greatly impacts the quality of life (QOL) of patients including several dermatological conditions that are listed in the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Decrease in psoriatic lesion as measured by Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score is associated with improvement in QOL. Propylthiouracil (PTU) was found to be clinically efficient in clearing psoriatic lesions. Our objective is to find the extent of improvement in QOL in psoriatic patients treated with PTU. Materials and Methods:Twenty-three psoriatic patients who were taking 300 mg PTU/day were involved in the study. Clinical improvement was assessed by PASI score and QOL was assessed by DLQI questionnaire at baseline, 6 th and 12 th week of PTU treatment. Results: Psoriatic patients before treatment showed significantly increased DLQI score when compared with 6 and 12 weeks of PTU treatment which was found to be decreased significantly (P < 0.001) after PTU treatment. There was a positive correlation between DLQI and PASI score at all three intervals of treatment period at P < 0.001 (r = 0.793, r = 0.834, r = 0.801), respectively. Conclusion: Since PTU was found to improve the QOL of psoriasis patients, this study adds an advantage of using it as treatment option in psoriasis.