A Study of the Folic Acid Antagonists in the Treatment of Psoriasis (Aminopterin vs. Methotrexate vs. Aminopterin and a Corticosteroid)

Abstract

The treatment of 127 patients suffering from psoriasis, using the folic acid antagonists, aminopterin or methotrexate, a combination of both, or a combination of aminopterin and triamcinolone were discussed. It is by no means suggested that these drugs should be used routinely in the treatment of psoriasis, either by the dermatologists or the general practitioners. The over-all beneficial therapeutic effect was 77% with aminopterin versus 66% with methotrexate. The significant therapeutic difference was found in the group showing 75-100% response, namely 57% with aminopterin versus 22% with methotrexate. The combination of triamcinolone with aminopterin led to quicker and better results, yet these were only temporary and did not materially influence the end results.