Major Research Findings

This research compared the effectiveness and safety of low-dose short-term cyclosporine therapy with etretinate therapy in patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. 1

The cyclosporine group showed a significant improvement in skin symptoms after 10 weeks of treatment, compared to the etretinate group. It was also found that about half of the patients in the cyclosporine group were able to maintain the initial dose, while about half of the patients in the etretinate group needed to increase the dose. 1

Furthermore, improvements in nail abnormalities and joint pain were observed in both groups, but the improvements were more pronounced in the cyclosporine group. 1

After the end of cyclosporine therapy, the group that gradually reduced cyclosporine showed a significantly lower relapse rate than the group that stopped abruptly. 1

Reasons for Side Effects

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant that works by suppressing the body's immune system, which improves psoriasis symptoms. However, suppressing the immune system can increase the risk of infections. Cyclosporine can also affect the kidneys and liver. 1

Common Side Effects

Infections

Cyclosporine can increase the risk of infections because it suppresses the immune system. 1

Kidney Side Effects

Cyclosporine can affect the kidneys. 1

Liver Side Effects

Cyclosporine can affect the liver. 1

Other Side Effects

Cyclosporine can cause side effects such as high blood pressure, tremors, headache, nausea, and vomiting. 1

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Infections

To reduce the risk of infections, doctors will regularly check blood tests to see if there are any signs of infection. 1

Kidney Side Effects

To reduce kidney side effects, doctors will monitor kidney function by regularly checking urine tests. 1

Liver Side Effects

To reduce liver side effects, doctors will monitor liver function by regularly checking blood tests. 1

Other Side Effects

To reduce other side effects, doctors may adjust the dose of cyclosporine or prescribe other medications. 1

Comparison of Research

Commonalities in Research

Both studies compared the efficacy and safety of cyclosporine and etretinate in patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. 1

Differences in Research

The two studies differed in the duration and dose of cyclosporine administration. 1

Precautions for Real-Life Application

While the results of this study suggest that cyclosporine may be effective in treating psoriasis, there are risks associated with its use. 1

If you are considering using cyclosporine, consult your doctor to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits. 1

Limitations of Current Research

This study was conducted on a relatively small number of patients, and it is unclear whether the results apply to all patients. 1

The long-term effects of cyclosporine are also not yet fully understood. 1

Future Research Directions

Research is needed to assess the long-term effects of cyclosporine. 1

Furthermore, studies involving a larger number of patients are needed to verify the generalizability of the findings of this study. 1

Conclusion

This study suggests that low-dose short-term cyclosporine therapy may be effective in treating psoriasis. 1

However, there are risks associated with the use of cyclosporine, so it is important to consult your doctor to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits. 1