Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of combined treatment with methotrexate and a broadband medium-wave phototherapy for psoriasis patients

Goal. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined treatment with methotrexate and a broadband medium-wave phototherapy for psoriasis patients. Materials and methods. As many as 365 psoriasis patients underwent examination and treatment. The patients were divided into three groups by the treatment method. The first group of patients received a broadband medium-wave phototherapy, the second group received treatment with methotrexate, and the third group received combined treatment with methotrexate and a broadband medium-wave phototherapy. Results. Combined treatment with a broadband medium-wave phototherapy and methotrexate turned out to be more efficient than a monotherapy with methotrexate or a broadband medium-wave phototherapy. The administration of a combined therapy enhances the efficacy of treatment for psoriasis patients due to the reduction of cumulative doses of ultraviolet irradiation and methotrexate. In addition, it was revealed that a broadband medium-wave phototherapy does not enhance typical side effects observed during the treatment with methotrexate.