Long-term continuous versus intermittent XXXX : therapy for @entity1569 .

@entity1 @entity8 @entity1569 @entity5 @entity205 @entity157 @entity356
A multicenter randomized controlled study was conducted to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of @entity205 therapy for @entity1569 using either a continuous or an intermittent regimen. Initially, both regimens consisted of 3-5 mg/kg/day administration of CyA. Once remission was obtained, CyA dose was maintained between 0.5 and 3 mg/kg/day under the continuous regimen, while under the intermittent regimen, CyA dose was tapered off and, when necessary, topical corticosteroids were used until relapse occurred. Thirty-one @entity1 were followed for at least 48 months (mean follow-up period: 55.9+/-4.6 months): 15 received continuous therapy, and 16 received intermittent therapy. With both regimens, the PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) score was maintained at 5-12 points throughout the follow-up period. The score was decreased by more than 70% from baseline with both regimens: the responses between them were not significantly different. However, overall control of @entity1569 , as assessed from the averaged PASI score, was better in the @entity1 receiving continuous therapy. Although the overall frequency of adverse reactions was similar for the two regimens, @entity5 occurred in two @entity1 on continuous therapy ( @entity356 and @entity157 in one @entity1 each). We could not, however, @entity5 in the two @entity1 to continuous therapy itself. There was a significantly higher incidence of @entity8 in elderly @entity1 receiving either regimen when compared with younger @entity1 . In conclusion, CyA administered to @entity1569 @entity1 under both regimens exhibited long-term efficacy and tolerability. Despite a lower overall efficacy, it seems proper to conclude that intermittent therapy is more useful than continuous therapy due to the occurrence of @entity5 with continuous therapy. Further investigation is required to determine whether intermittent therapy is really safer than continuous therapy, and, if so, how it should be designed to minimize long-term adverse reactions and achieve overall control comparable to that of continuous CyA therapy.
