Evidence-based recommendations on topical treatment and phototherapy of psoriasis: systematic review and expert opinion of a panel of dermatologists

Background Although topical treatments and phototherapy are available for more than 40 years, there is a paucity of evidence-based recommendations regarding their use. Objectives The aim of this work was to develop evidence-based recommendations on topical treatments and phototherapy in psoriasis for daily clinical use. Methods A scientific committee selected clinically relevant questions on efficacy and safety of topical agents and phototherapy in psoriasis. This selection was made using the Delphi method. A systematic literature search was performed in Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library. The articles selected for analysis were reviewed and the level of evidence was appraised according to the Oxford Levels of Evidence. An Expert consensus meeting took place in June 2011, including 42 dermatologists. Recommendations for use of topical treatments and phototherapy were made during interactive workshops where the evidence was presented and discussed. Agreement among participants was assessed on a 10-point scale. The participants systematically assessed the impact of the recommendations on clinical practice. Results A total of 3555 references were identified, among which 312 articles were included in the systematic reviews. Three recommendations were issued on phototherapy including both PUVA and narrow-band UVB. The recommendations related to administration schedule, clearance rate and risk of side-effects. The mean agreement between participants was good varying from 8.5 to 9.5. Six recommendations were issued on topical treatments focusing on administration schedule, clearance rate, risk of side-effects, cost-effectiveness and measures to improve treatment adherence. The mean agreement between participants varied from 7.3 to 9.9. Conclusions These recommendations for the use of topical agents and phototherapy in psoriasis are evidence-based and supported by a panel of dermatologists. The next step will be to disseminate these recommendations and assess the opinion of physicians who were not involved in generating the recommendations.