Combination of targeted UVB phototherapy and calcipotriene versus targeted UVB alone in psoriasis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Background

Targeted UVB and topical calcipotriene have frequently been used in the treatment of psoriasis, but the joint effect of calcipotriene and targeted UVB has been controversial.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate whether the efficacy of the combined use of targeted UVB and calcipotriene is superior to the targeted UVB alone.

Methods

We performed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in patients with plaque-type psoriasis through searching the defined key words in the PubMed, EMBase, and Cochrane Central Register databases. Pooled mean difference of the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) relative change (%) was estimated using a random effect model. The quality of included studies and publication bias were assessed using the Jadad scale and the Egger’s test, respectively.

Results

A total of five RCTs including 182 patients were included in the systematic review. The mean difference of the PASI relative change (%) between the combined therapy versus the targeted UVB alone was –22.68 (95%CI: −37.12 to –8.24; p = .002). Publication bias was not supported by the Egger’s test (p = .424).

Conclusion

Addition of calcipotriene ointment may improve the efficacy of the targeted UVB phototherapy in the treatment of plaque-type psoriasis.

Keywords:

• Targeted UVB
• psoriasis
• calcipotriene
• meta-analysis

Author contributions

X.G. and M.S. independently searched the literature, reviewed the papers, and extracted the data. X.G. performed the statistical analysis and drafted the manuscript. M.S., S.Z., and X.C. critically reviewed and revised the manuscript. M.S. and X.C. obtained the fundings. All authors approved the final version of manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Project of China “Precision Medicine Initiative” [2016YFC0900802] and the Key Research and Development Project of Hunan Province [2018SK2086].