Primary Outcome Measures:
- The proportion of subjects who acheive a score of clear (0) on the PGA of LMB at week 2. [ Time Frame: 2 weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
Secondary Outcome Measures:
- The proportion of subjects who acheive a score of clear (0) or almost clear (1) on the PGA og LMB at weeks 4 and 6. [ Time Frame: Four and six weeks. ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
- The incidence of adverse events caused by calcipotriene/betamethasone (Taclonex) at weeks 2, 4 and 6. [ Time Frame: Weeks 2, 4 and 6 ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
Intervention Details:
Drug: Calcipotriene/betamethasone
One application to affected areas, once a day for two weeks. The PI may choose to extend treatment until Week 4 if necessary.
LMB (localized mild breakthrough)is one of two psoriasis adverse events commonly seen in efalizumab treated patients. It is generally papular in nature and does not involve existing lesions. Clinical experience suggests that LMB may not have a clinical impact in patients responding to efalizumab and therefore may be treated without interrupting efalizumab therapy. To relieve discomfort topical therapy may be indicated until the symptoms are resolved.
This is a single arm, open label study. Fifteen patients who are receiving efalizumab before entrance into this study and who develop LMB wil be enrolled. Topical calcipotriene/betamethasone (Taclonex) will be applied to the areas (except face, axillae or groin) once a day for two weeks. The PI may choose to continue two more weeks if needed for a total of four weeks of therapy. All patients will continue with efalizumab without dose modification for the duration of the study. Patients will return for follow up visits at weeks 2, 4 and 6. Topical desonide may be used for LMB involvement of the face, groin or axillae.