Efficacy of Oral Vitamin D Therapy in Patients with Plaque Psoriasis and its Effect on Blood Calcium Levels

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease mediated by T cells. Recently, many studies have reported the important role of vitamin d in the pathogenesis and treatment of the disease.

 Objective: The effect of oral vitamin d treatment in plaque psoriasis patient on blood calcium levels.

 Methods: A study was conducted on 50 patients who were given vitamin D at a dose of 60,000 IU every two weeks for 6 months. Serum vitamin levels and calcium were measured. The disease was evaluated clinically using the psoriasis area and severity index. Results: Our study showed the following results: The level of the vitamin in the serum increased after 3 and 6 months (average vitamin D 17.2 - + 5.3, and after 3 and 6 months 24.15 - + 4.5 and 40.1 - + 10.8, respectively) in addition to clinical improvement with a decrease in the PASI index after 3 and 6 months (average PASI 8.6 - +3.2 and after 3 and 6 months 6.1 - +2.5 and 3.7 - +2.8 respectively). The results also showed a positive relationship with increased calcium (but it remained within the normal level) and no significant side effects were recorded.

Conclusion: Oral vitamin D supplementation in patients with psoriasis increased the serum vitamin D level and significantly improved the treatment outcome without an increase in blood calcium level above normal limit.