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.
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.