WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Hasan Mhalla* and Fouz Hassan

ABSTRACT

Background: Long-term use of corticosteroids or local use of tazarotene (TAZ) alone for the treatment of psoriasis cause safety issues and low compliance rates. Combining these two treatments may optimize their efficacy and minimize safety concerns. Aim: This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of tazarotene 0.05%, betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% (BM), and their combination in the treatment of psoriasis. Materials and Methods: A randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 90 subjects with mild to moderate psoriasis were randomized to TAZ gel, BM cream or TAZ/BM combination groups for 4 weeks with a 6-week follow up. The primary efficacy assessment end-point was 75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI-75) at 4 weeks. Secondary outcome assessments included PASI- 90, PASI-50, percentage of PASI decrease and so forth. Safety and treatment-related adverse events were monitored throughout the study. Results: After 4 weeks of treatment, PASI-75 was 53.33% in the TAZ/BM group while 33.33% and 40% in the TAZ and BM groups, respectively. Significant differences were observed among all groups (p-value = 0.04). At the 6-week follow up, the relapse rate of the TAZ/BM group was significantly lower than the BM group (11.1% vs 37.5%) though comparable with the TAZ group (14.3%). The most frequently reported treatment-related adverse event was itching. Conclusion: Topical tazarotene seems to be significant and well tolerated agent for the treatment of psoriasis. TAZ/BM combination has significant advantages over TAZ, including satisfying efficacy, rapid onset and reduced local stimulation. Meanwhile, compared with BM, it has the advantages of longer relief time and reduced clinical relapse rate. The TAZ/BM combination provides psoriatic patients an alternative treatment choice with high efficacy and low relapse rate and safety concerns.

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