Efficacy, safety and quality of life of calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (Dovobet (R)) versus calcipotriol (Daivonex (R)) in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris: A randomized, multicentre, clinical trial

Objective: A clinical trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy, speed of response, side effects and quality of life of patients treated with calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (Dovobet (R)) for 4 weeks followed by maintenance with calcipotriol for 8 weeks (group A) versus calcipotriol (Daivonex (R)) alone for 12 weeks (group B) for the treatment of psoriasis. Materials and methods: A total of 150 patients were enrolled and randomized to groups A and B. PASI and Skindex-29 were considered the outcome measures. Results: Ninety-six patients completed the trial. At weeks 2 and 4, both groups showed a significant clinical improvement compared to baseline; group A demonstrated a higher clinical response compared with group B (p < 0.001). Treatment with calcipotriol was associated with a gradual improvement in group B and maintenance of the results in group A. Similarly, the quality of life assessment showed a marked improvement in terms of Skindex-29 in both groups at weeks 2 and 4 compared to baseline. Both treatments were safe and well tolerated. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate a higher efficacy and more rapid onset of action with the two-compound ointment compared with calcipotriol cream alone in short-term treatment. However, sequential application of calcipotriol allows maintenance of the results.