Efficacy of the apitherapy in the treatment of recalcitrant localized plaque psoriasis and evaluation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) serum level: A double-blind randomized clinical trial. (August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eltaher, Soha; Mohammed, Ghada F.; Younes, Soha; Elakhras, Atef
• Is Part Of: Journal of dermatological treatment. Volume 26:Number 4(2015:Aug.)
• Page Start: 335
• Page End: 339
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Subjects: Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- drug therapy -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- therapy -- Periodicals; 616.5
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-6634

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Background</italic>: No universal consensus about optimal modality for treating the recalcitrant localized plaque psoriasis (RLPP) is available.</p> <p> <italic>Objective</italic>: To evaluate the immunological and clinical therapeutic effect of using apitherapy in the treatment of RLPP.</p> <p> <italic>Methods</italic>: Randomized 50 patients with RLPP received apitherapy (<italic>n</italic> = 25) and placebo (<italic>n</italic> = 25) every week. Both treatments were injected into lesions at weekly intervals for a maximum of 12 treatments. Following up was 6 months later. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) level was measured at pre-study and at 12th week.</p> <p> <italic>Results</italic>: A significant difference was found between the therapeutic responses of RLPP to the apitherapy and placebo groups (<italic>p</italic>&lt;0.001). In the apitherapy group, complete response was achieved in 92% of patients. There was statistically significant decrease in TNF-α in the apitherapy group compared to the placebo group. No recurrence was observed in the apitherapy group.</p> <p> <italic>Conclusion</italic>: Apitherapy is effective and a safe treatment for recalcitrant localized plaque psoriasis, when other topical or physical therapies have failed.</p> </abstract>