Propylthiouracil in treating psoriasis, a promise that failed: A hospital-based prospective study of propylthiouracil in the treatment of psoriasis

Abstract

Introduction: Psoriasis is a common skin disorder with no cure and definite treatment
options. Propylthiouracil (PTU), an antithyroid drug, has been found to be effective in
treating psoriasis in certain studies. This prompted us to conduct a study to assess the
effectiveness of PTU in treating patients with psoriasis. Aims: The primary objective of
our study was to assess the efficacy of PTU as a safe and effective agent in the management
of psoriasis. Settings and Design: This study was a clinical prospective study conducted
over a period of 3 months. Materials and Methods: Thirty one patients with psoriasis
and those fulfilling the inclusion criteria were treated with PTU (100 mg thrice a day) and
topical emollient, and were followed up for 12 weeks. Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI)
at the baseline and at the end of the study were compared. Patients who attained PASI
score 50 were considered to respond to the treatment. Statistical Analysis Used: Mean
values of variables. Results: The mean PASI score at the beginning of the treatment with
PTU was 17.6. The mean PASI score at the end of the study was 16.06. Conclusions: We
found PTU to be ineffective in reducing both the symptoms and severity of psoriasis. It
is also intriguing to note that PTU, which was found to be effective in treating psoriasis
almost two decades ago, has never been used widely in practice. Probably, this bears
testimony to the fact that PTU is not as effective as it was promised to be.