Clinical experience with systemic cyclosporine A treatment in severe childhood psoriasis

Abstract

Background: Severe forms of psoriasis including erythrodermic or pustular psoriasis, which require a more aggressive therapeutic approach such as phototherapy or systemic therapies, are rarely seen. Systemic toxicity and long-term safety of these agents are serious concerns in children. Objective: We report our experience on the efficacy and safety of cyclosporine A treatment in 22 patients of childhood psoriasis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the records of all patients less than 18 years of age treated with systemic cyclosporine A therapy at our clinic between January 2000 and March 2009. Demographic features as well as other relevant data including previous therapies, the dosage and duration of cyclosporine A therapy, response to treatment and side effects were retrieved from the patients' records. Results: A total of 22 children were treated with systemic cyclosporine A therapy. Seventeen patients were found to be excellent responders. The mean therapeutic dosage of cyclosporine A was 3.47 +/- 0.62 mg/kg/day. The mean duration of cyclosporine A therapy was 5.68 +/- 3.29 months. The median time to total clearance of the lesions was 4.0 weeks. Conclusion: We conclude that cyclosporine A therapy is equally effective and safe in pediatric psoriasis patients as in adults.