Effectiveness and tolerability of calcipotriol/betamethasone aerosol foam in patients with psoriasis vulgaris in real‐life setting: A prospective, noninterventional, multicenter observational study in Austria

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundFor the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis, vitamin D analogues and corticosteroids are used as a fixed combination, which is available in different galenic preparations.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and tolerability of calcipotriol/betamethasone (Cal/BD) cutaneous foam in a real‐world setting.MethodsOverall, 107 adult patients with at least mild plaque psoriasis as measured by the Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) were included and treated for 4 weeks. Affected body surface area (BSA), plaque locations, and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) were documented at baseline, after 4 weeks and at the end of the study. Pruritus, overall patient satisfaction, tolerability and convenience of use, as well as quality of life (DLQI) were also evaluated.ResultsIn total, 96% of the patients suffered from mild to moderate psoriasis vulgaris. Of all patients included, 76% had previously received topical therapy. Under treatment with Cal/BD aerosol foam, the mean IGA score was reduced from 2.49 to 1.28 points (p < 0.001). The mean PASI score was reduced from 7.01 to 3.58 (p < 0.001). BSA was improved from 9.92% to 4.19% (p < 0.001) and the DLQI from 7.81 to 2.43 points (p < 0.001). Over 88% (84/95 patients) were very satisfied or satisfied with Cal/BD aerosol foam. The treatment was described as soothing (63/89), cooling (70/89), and itch relieving (53/84). Lack of efficacy was documented as an adverse event (AE) in four of 107 patients. No other AEs were observed.ConclusionsThe treatment of psoriasis vulgaris with Cal/BD aerosol foam was demonstrated to be effective, well tolerated and associated with high patient satisfaction.