Farhad Malekzad; Mohammad Saeedi; Azin Ayatollahi
Volume 14, Issue 4 , 2011, , Pages 131-135
Abstract
Background: Lichen planus is a common inflammatory disease that can involve the skin, nails, mucous membrane, and hair follicles. There is a long list of topical and systemic therapies for its treatment. Methotrexarte has some characteristics that make it a good choice for generalized lichen planus. ...
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Background: Lichen planus is a common inflammatory disease that can involve the skin, nails, mucous membrane, and hair follicles. There is a long list of topical and systemic therapies for its treatment. Methotrexarte has some characteristics that make it a good choice for generalized lichen planus. Aim: The goal of this study was to assess the effect of low dose methotrexate in generalized lichen planus. Method: Eighteen patients (8 male and 10 female, mean age: 51.1, range: 22-80, SD: 14.9) with generalized lichen planus were enrolled in the study. After basic evaluations, low dose methotrexate (7.5-10 mg weekly) initiated. The response rate was appraised after 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Six-month follow-up was done for evaluating the recurrence rate. Result: At the end of the 8th week, 75% of the patients had more than 75% improvement. After six months, no case of recurrence was reported. Adverse effects were limited to laboratory abnormalities in two patients (abnormal liver function tests in one case and decreased hemoglobin in the other case). Conclusion: Low dose methotrexate is a very good and safe treatment for generalized lichen planus, especially when there is concern regarding the steroids undesired effects or when the disease is resistant to corticosteroids.
Samadi Zaynab; Gorouhi Farzam; Davari Parastoo; Firooz Alireza
Volume 9, Issue 4 , 2006, , Pages 335-342
Abstract
Background and aim: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is the most common blistering disease in Iran and many other Asian countries with a relatively high incidence and involvement of both skin and mucous membrances in majority of patients. The aim of this study was to assess the opinions of Asian experts on the ...
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Background and aim: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is the most common blistering disease in Iran and many other Asian countries with a relatively high incidence and involvement of both skin and mucous membrances in majority of patients. The aim of this study was to assess the opinions of Asian experts on the diagnosis and management of PV. Materials and Methods: A questinnaire-based mailed/emailed survey was conducted. The questionnaire was sent to 29 dermatologists from different countries of Asia (23 from Iran and 6 from India, Kuwait, Turkey and Bangladesh) who are in charge of the treatment of autoimmune blistering disorders with at least 5 years experience in this field who visit at least five new PV patients annually. Questions incluced duration of experience, number of patients treated and diagnostic and treatment approaches for PV. Descriptive data were reported using SPSS 11.5 and some data are reported as mean±SD. Results: All 29 physicians participated in the survey. Among them, 79.3% visit their patients within 6 months after the onset of symptoms. Diagnosis of PV is confirmed by histologic and direct immunofluorescence examinations by 65.5% of physicians. All of them initiate the treatment with corticosteroids (48.3% with a dose of at least 2 mg/kg/day prednisolone) and 89.7% add adjuvant immunosuppressors at the same time. Of the adjuvant agents used, azathioprine is used by 82.8% of physicians. Conclusion: Different trends in diagnostic techniques and treatment options for PV among the experienced authorities emphasize the urgent need for large-scale controlled trials to reach consensus standards in this field. In addition, regional and worldwide consensus meetings to consider all regional and genetic similarities and differences are highly recommended.