RESUMEN
Objective: To assess the efficacy of Methotrexate in patients with plaque type psoriasis
Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in the department of Dermatology, Civil Hospital Karachi from September 2009 to March 2010. Seventy three patients between 18 to 50 years of age suffering I from plaque type psoriasis with PASI score of >10 were included in the study after taking the informed consent. Oral methotrexate in a dose of 7.5 mg/week was given for 8 weeks
The data collected included demographic profile [age and gender], duration of disease, site of involvement, size of plaque, severity of plaque measured by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [PASI] score before starting the treatment and at the end of treatment. Efficacy was labeled with a PASI score of <5 at the end of 8 weeks
Results: Out of 73 patients there were 45 [61.6%] males and 28 [38.4%] females
The mean +/-SD age was 0.0+/-12.6 years. The mean baseline PASI score showed clear and comparable improvement from a meani SD PASI score of 14.8+/-4.2 to 4.9+/-4.3.Twenty nine [40%] patients had an almost complete remission during the 8 weeks of treatment. Partial remission was achieved in 44 [60%] patients
The clearance time for psoriasis ranged from 5 - 7 weeks [mean 6+/-0.89 weeks]
Conclusion: Treatment with methotrexate for chronic plaque psoriasis brings satisfactory disease control and improved quality of life