[Successful combination treatment for psoriasis with phototherapy and low-dose cytokines: A spontaneous, retrospective observational clinical study].

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune skin disease that affects 1-3% of the world's population. Most patients with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis or psoriasis vulgaris, characterized by thickened erythematous scaly plaques and presenting in a variety of forms with distinct characteristics. Psoriasis is associated with a decreased quality of life as well as with severe comorbidities.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this spontaneous, retrospective observational clinical study was to evaluate the pharmacological activity of advanced treatment based on the use of UVA-1 laser therapy with or without the co-administration of low dose cytokines [interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10] and anti-IL-1 antibodies in patients affected by psoriasis vulgaris.

RESULTS

In this study the efficacy of UVA-1 phototherapy and, in parallel, the decisive (statistically relevant) boosting activity of low-dose cytokines in ameliorating the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score were assessed. These results show the effectiveness of combined use of phototherapy and low-dose cytokines therapy, highlighting the fundamental role of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, anti-IL-1 antibodies) in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.

CONCLUSION

Further studies are necessary to confirm these preliminary data.