INTRODUCTION
Palmoplantar psoriasis is a chronic, localized form of psoriasis affecting the palms and soles and is prevalent in 3-4% of individuals with psoriasis.1 Although there has been no standard therapeutic treatment, potent to super-potent topical corticosteroids, tazarotene (TAZ), and vitamin D analogues are commonly the first-line agents.1,2 However, as monotherapy, these agents do not properly penetrate the thickened stratum corneum, often resulting in treatment failure.2 As a result, the objective of this study was to evaluate the synergistic effect of an FDA approved fixed-combination topical lotion composed of the mid-to-high potency corticosteroid halobetasol propionate (HP) 0.01% and the retinoid TAZ 0.045% (HP/TAZ; Duobrii®) on improving the signs and symptoms of palmoplantar plaque type psoriasis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Patients aged 18 years or older with moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis, as determined by a score of ≥3 on the palmoplantar Physician Global Assessment (ppPGA) scale were eligible to participate in this open-label study.3 ppPGA scores include 0 (clear), 1 (almost clear/minimal), 2 (mild), 3 (moderate), 4 (marked/moderate-to-severe), and 5 (severe).3
Subjects applied a thin layer of HP/TAZ lotion once daily to affected areas for 24 weeks. Subjects were assessed for disease severity using the ppPGA at 0, 2, 8, 12, 16, and 24 weeks and treatment satisfaction using a previously published numerical rating scale.4 Photography of the hands and/or feet were taken to assess for treatment response. Safety and treatment-related adverse events were evaluated throughout the study.
The difference between Baseline (week 0) and week 24/Last Observation Carried Forward (LOCF) was assessed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Alpha risk was set to 5% (α = 0.05). Statistical analysis was performed with EasyMedStat (version 3.14; www.easymedstat.com).
Subjects applied a thin layer of HP/TAZ lotion once daily to affected areas for 24 weeks. Subjects were assessed for disease severity using the ppPGA at 0, 2, 8, 12, 16, and 24 weeks and treatment satisfaction using a previously published numerical rating scale.4 Photography of the hands and/or feet were taken to assess for treatment response. Safety and treatment-related adverse events were evaluated throughout the study.
The difference between Baseline (week 0) and week 24/Last Observation Carried Forward (LOCF) was assessed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Alpha risk was set to 5% (α = 0.05). Statistical analysis was performed with EasyMedStat (version 3.14; www.easymedstat.com).
