Topical calcipotriol in childhood psoriasis

Background: The use of topical calcipotriol in adults with psoriasis is safe and effective. Objective: Our purpose was to study the efficacy and safety of calcipotriol in children. Methods: A multicenter, prospective, 8-week, double-blind, parallel group study was conducted in 77 children. Response to treatment was assessed by means of the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) in that the intensity of redness, thickness, and scaliness as well as the area involved are scored. The children were 2 to 14 years of age and had stable psoriasis, involving less than 30% of the body surface. Forty-three children were assigned to receive calcipotriol ointment and 34 to receive placebo. Nine children dropped out of the study, six in the calcipotriol-treated group and three in the placebo-treated group. Results: Both treatment groups (calcipotriol and placebo) showed significant improvement in PASI from baseline to the end of treatment, and the difference was not statistically significant. No serious side effects, in particular including those relating to calcium and bone metabolism, were recorded. Conclusion: Calcipotriol ointment was statistically significantly more effective than its vehicle in terms of the investigator's overall assessment and reduction in redness and scaliness but not in terms of PASI score.