Trial reportIndian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology
Azathioprine weekly pulse versus methotrexate for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis: A randomized controlled trial.
Trial report in Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it, 8 citations in OpenAlex.
- Systemic pharmacological treatments for chronic plaque psoriasis: a network meta-analysis.The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2022Pooled it
- Systemic pharmacological treatments for chronic plaque psoriasis: a network meta-analysis.The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2023Review
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
5 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundMethotrexate is the most commonly used drug in the treatment of psoriasis with good efficacy and safety. Recently, weekly azathioprine pulse has been shown to be effective in this disease.
aimThe aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness and safety of weekly pulse doses of azathioprine and methotrexate for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis.
methodsIn this randomized controlled trial, 80 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were recruited. After detailed clinical and laboratory evaluation, patients were randomized to 2 groups to receive either weekly 300 mg azathioprine (n = 40) or 15 mg methotrexate every week (n = 40) for 20 weeks, following which the response to treatment and adverse effects were assessed. The patients were then followed up every 4 weeks for 3 months to determine any relapse.
resultsOverall, 48 (60%) patients achieved PASI 75, while 36 (45%) and 59 (73.8%) patients achieved PASI 100 and 50, respectively. On intention to treat analysis, PASI ≥ 75 was achieved in 47.5% (19/40) patients in group 1 compared to 85% (34/40) patients in group 2 (p < 0.001). However, on per protocol analysis, PASI ≥ 75 was achieved in 86% (19/22) patients in group 1 and 92% (34/37) patients in group 2 (p = 0.497). Minor clinical and biochemical adverse effects were noted in both the groups, which were comparable. One (7.7%) patient in group 1 and 4 (17.4%) in group 2 relapsed during follow-up. LIMITATIONS: Limitations of study include small sample size and short follow-up.
conclusionWeekly azathioprine pulse appears to be beneficial in the management of chronic plaque psoriasis. However, it is less effective than weekly methotrexate. It can thus be of use as a therapeutic option in patients with contraindication to methotrexate or other similar agents in this disease.
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