Calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate fixed combination for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Psoriasis vulgaris has serious co-morbidities and impairs the quality of life. Vitamin D analogues and corticosteroids are widely used for treating psoriasis, but they have numerous effects. This review aims to assess the efficacy and safety of calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) as an alternative that may enhance patients' adherence. We searched PubMed, Cochrane, Web of science, and Scopus for reliable trials. The analysis was conducted by comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) software using the Inverse-Variance method. The analysis showed that the fixed Cal/BD combination improves the psoriasis area and severity index score in body lesions (P<0.0001 at weeks one, two, four, and eight). It improves the total sign score (TSS) and achieves TSS-based response in scalp lesions (P<0.01 at eight weeks). Treatment success was achieved according to physician’s global assessment/investigator’s global assessment in scalp lesions (P<0.001 at weeks four, and eight), and according to patient’s global assessment in body (P=0.001 at week four) and scalp lesions (P<0.05 at weekss two, four, and eight). Adverse events were low for body (P<0.05 at weeks four, eight, and twelve) and scalp lesions (P<0.0001 at week eight). Our conclusion is that Cal/BD is effective and well-tolerated alternative therapy for psoriasis vulgaris.