Comparison of efficacy of Methoterexate versus Acitretin in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis

Objective: To compare the efficacy of methotrexate versus acitretin in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis Method: Randomized controlled Trial conducted in Dermatology Department, Services Hospital Lahore, on 60 patients after informed consent, divided into two groups. Group A given methotrexate 0.30.5mg/kg orally and group B given acitretin 0.4mg/kg orally. Efficacy was ascertained by reduction in PASI score, calculated at baseline and at the 12 weeks. Results:Patients of Group A achieved a reduction in PASI score from baseline 13.13±2.047 to 6.20±2.024 (efficacy 76.7%) while in Group B, PASI score dropped from 13.53±2.047 to 7.00±1.857 (efficacy 56.7%). Adverse effects for both groups were minimal and as expected. Conclusion: Both methotrexate and acitretin are highly effective drugs in treating chronic plaque psoriasis. However, methotrexate shows greater efficacy and faster reduction in PASI as compared to acitretin.