Topical 0.25% desoximetasone spray efficacy for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: a randomized clinical trial.
BACKGROUND
Traditionally, ointments were the vehicle of choice for psoriasis. Poor adherence of traditional vehicles limits the use of topical corticosteroids. Alternative formulations have gained popularity due to their ease of application, improved adherence and efficacy.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of topical desoximetasone 0.25% spray formulation in extensive psoriasis.


METHODS
This multicenter, double-blinded, randomized trial compared twice daily topical 0.25% desoximetasone spray to placebo in subjects ≥18 with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Primary outcome of the study was the proportion of subjects in each group that achieved clinical success (Physician Global Assessment [PGA] of 0 or 1) and/or treatment success at (target lesion score of 0 or 1) day 28.


RESULTS
One-hundred-and-twenty subjects were enrolled. At baseline, 75.0% and 73.3% of the treatment and placebo group had at least moderate PGA, respectively. Clinical success in the intended-to treat and placebo group was 30% and 5% (p = .0003), respectively; treatment success was 39% and 7% (p < .0001), respectively.


LIMITATIONS
The lack of standardized outcomes for topical psoriasis treatments limits the ability to compare the results to other treatments.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical desoximetasone spray provides rapid control of moderate to severe psoriasis lesions and may be considered for patients awaiting approval of biologicals.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
Clinical Trial was registered at clinicaltrial.gov: NCT01206387.
['Saleem|Mohammed D|MD|', 'Negus|Deborah|D|', 'Feldman|Steven R|SR|']
D000287:Administration, Topical D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D003879:Dermatologic Agents D003899:Desoximetasone D004311:Double-Blind Method D004334:Drug Administration Schedule D004339:Drug Compounding D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D015990:Placebo Effect D011565:Psoriasis D012720:Severity of Illness Index D016896:Treatment Outcome D055815:Young Adult
Psoriasis clinical trial adherence steroid spray topical steroid