Topical use of calcitriol 3 microg/g ointment in the treatment of mild-to-moderate psoriasis: results from an open-label study

Abstract

Background: Calcitriol is the active metabolite and hormonal analogue of vitamin D3. It is widely used for the topical treatment of psoriasis showing good tolerability and effectiveness.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy, tolerability and safety of calcitriol 3 microg/g ointment in mild to moderate plaque psoriasis involving sensitive areas.

Methods: Sixty patients with a body surface area < 35% were enrolled into a prospective open label clinical study. Patients were treated for 12 weeks with a twice daily calcitriol 3 microg/g topical ointment application. Efficacy and safety were assessed during the therapy and during a 6-month follow-up period.

Results: The study demonstrated a high clinical remission rate which progressively increased throughout therapy (11.6% at week 4, 28.3% at week 8 and 63.3% at week 12). No serious adverse events and clinically relevant changes of calcium/phosphorus homeostasis were reported.

Conclusions: The study suggests that calcitriol 3 microg/g ointment, applied twice daily, is an effective topical treatment for chronic psoriatic plaques involving less than 35% of the body surface and sensitive areas.