Calcipotriene 0.005%–Betamethasone Dipropionate 0.064% Ointment Versus Topical Suspension in the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis: A Randomized Pilot Study of Patient Preference
Vehicle formulation plays a major role in patient adherence to topical psoriasis treatments. The objective of this study was to conduct a preliminary assessment of patient preference for ointment versus topical suspension formulations of calcipotriene 0.005%–betamethasone dipropionate 0.064% for treatment of plaque psoriasis. In our small cohort of 20 participants with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, the topical suspension formulation was preferred over the ointment, though the difference was not statistically significant (P=.32). Overall, the topical suspension was rated as moderately appealing, while the ointment was rated as slightly appealing (P=.06). Subgroup analyses were limited due to the small sample size. The results of this study may provide clinicians with an alternative topical treatment of plaque psoriasis that provides the benefits of a combination product. In clinical practice, it may be best to offer patients both formulations and they can choose the product that is right for them.
Practice Points
- Patient preference plays an important role in adherence to treatment regimens in chronic skin diseases such as psoriasis.
- The topical suspension formulation of calcipotriene 0.005%–betamethasone dipropionate 0.064% was preferred by psoriasis patients over the ointment; however, the availability of the 2 formulations provides patients with options and allows them to choose which product they prefer.
Statistical Analysis
Participant characteristics were reported with percentages for dichotomous data and median and ranges for other data. Subjective participant preference survey scores were calculated by taking the mean (standard deviation [SD]) sum of the scores for each individual survey item for both products. A generalized linear model that accounted for possible carryover and period effects was used to compare the difference of individual participant scores for the 2 products using SAS software. The mean (SD) amount of product used was reported and correlated to the preference score using a Spearman rank correlation. Total and individual survey scores were compared between sexes using Wilcoxon rank sum tests.
Results
Participants were enrolled in and completed the study from January 2013 to March 2013. The Figure presents a diagram of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials. Thirty patients were screened; 10 patients did not meet eligibility criteria. Twenty patients were enrolled in the study with 10 patients randomized to each study arm. All 20 participants completed the study.
Participant demographics are described in Table 1. The median age was 48 years (range 29–64 years). The majority of participants were male (13/20) and white (18/20). The median IGA score was 3 (range, 2–3).
