Publication:

Comparative study of oral methotrexate and narrow band ultraviolet-B in chronic plaque psoriasis: a study from urban Karnataka

Background Treatment of psoriasis continues to be a challenge. It is often frustrating experience for dermatologists. Methotrexate or PUVA or NBUVB when used properly, can produce good to excellent clinical benefit with minimal side effects. The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of oral methotrexate and NBUVB in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis.

Methods 100 patients of chronic plaque psoriasis attending the skin department of Navodaya Medical College and Hospital, Raichur from November 2012 to April 2014 were included in the study. Group A exhibited to Oral methotrexate and group B to NBUVB. Outcome was measured in terms of PASI 75 (it means 75% reduction in original PASI). Data was analysed using SPSS 19.0 version.

Results In Group A mean age was 33.68 years and in Group B mean age 33.7 years. The difference in mean PASI at baseline, at 4 and 8 weeks using oral methotrexate as well as NBUVB was found to be highly significant (<0.001). PASI score was less in-group using methotrexate at 4 and 8 weeks interval (<0.05). Mean time taken for PASI 75 in the baseline PASI score in Group A was 9.62±1.3 weeks whereas in Group B it was 11.3±0.7 weeks. Side effects were higher in group B (60%) compared to group A (36%).

Conclusions Improvement in the PASI score was best with methotrexate than NBUVB. The side effects observed in a methotrexate were minimal compared to NBUVB.