The effects of UVB plus calcipotriol on systemic calcium homeostasis in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis

We studied the effects of combining topical calcipotriol, used at the maximal licensed dose, and narrow-band short wave ultraviolet light (TLO1) on systemic calcium homeostasis in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis. Patients were randomized in an open fashion to receive either UVB alone, UVB plus 100 g of calcipotriol (50 mu g/g) ointment per week or calcipotriol ointment alone (100 g/week). With the exception of a slight increase in serum phosphate in the group receiving combination therapy (from 0.92 to 1.22 mmol/l; P = 0.046), no differences were observed between or within the groups. Psoriasis area and severity scores (PASI) improved to a greater extent in those patients receiving both UVB and calcipotriol (P=0.045). The combination of UVB and calcipotriol is a safe, effective treatment for chronic plaque psoriasis.