RESUMO
Objectives: To compare the treatment efficacy and safety of methotrexate with acitretin in chronic plaque psoriasis
Methodology: A total of 142 patients were enrolled, 71 patients in each group. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, A and B by lottery method. They were given methotrexate [25 mg injection deep I/M once weekly] or acitretin [0.4mg/kg orally daily]. At the end of 24 weeks, response to treatment was evaluated in terms of reduction in PASI score. Safety of treatment was accessed in terms of laboratory investigations i.e. transaminase, triglycerides, platelets and white blood cells during treatment
Results: In methotrexate group, an excellent response [PASI-75%] was noted in 38 [53.5%], good response [PASI-50%] in 13 [18.3%], fair response [less than 50% reduction in PASI] in 4 [5.6%], and no response was observed in 1[1.4%] patients. In acitretin treated group excellent response was noted in 18 [25.3%], good response in 27 [38.0%], fair response in 8 [11.2%], and no response was observed in 5 [7.04%] of patients
Conclusion: Methotrexate is better option for treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis than acitretin