Role of oral vitamin D3 analogues in the treatment of psoriasis.

Oral vitamin D3 analogues 1 alpha hydroxy cholecalciferol and 1,25 dihydroxy cholecalciferol were compared with placebo in the treatment of psoriasis. Three groups of 15 patients each were given 1 α hydroxy cholecalciferol at 1 ug/ day 1,25 dihydroxy cholecalciferol at 0.5 ug/d and multi vitamins other than Vit A and Vit D, respectively. Patients were followed up for 3-6 months. Assessment of severity and response was done by Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI). Both Vit D, analogues 1 α hydroxy vitamins D3 and 1,25 (OH)2 D3 were found to be effective. Serum and urinary calcium remained within normal limits.