Non-invasive assessment of the antipsoriatic activity of fumaric acid derivatives

Background/aims: Noninvasive methods are introduced for the monitoring of healing of psoriasis. Fumaris acid derivatives (FAD) were used in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris for more than 30 years, but the effectiveness of these drugs has remained controversial. The object was to study the efficacy of FAD in a prospective study including noninvasive techniques, which may allow more accurate assessment in a smaller patient group.
Methods: High-frequency ultrasound including image analysis, and colorimetry was employed. 14 patients were treated for 20 weeks.
Results: In the ultrasound image, acanthosis and inflammatory infiltrate of active psoriasis cause an echopoor area under the entry echo. Under theray, this echo area diminishes while its density increases. During healing, the decrease in redness could be quantified.
Conclusions: Monitoring of the healing of psoriasis is possible with ultrasonography and colorimetry. Fumaric acid was found efficient and safe in the treatment of psoriasis.