Comparison of efficacy of oral methotrexate and acitretin for generalized lichen planus

Authors

  • Ghafoor Ullah Hayat Abad Medical Complex Peshawar, Gaju Khan Medical College Swabi, Medical officer Landi kotal hospital
  • Muhammad Ziaulhaq Department of Dermatology, Hayat Abad Medical Complex Peshawar, Gaju Khan Medical College Swabi
  • Farhad Ali Department of Dermatology, Hayat Abad Medical Complex Peshawar, Gaju Khan Medical College Swabi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66344/jpad.v32i2.1890

Keywords:

Acitretin

Abstract

Objective To compare the efficacy of oral methotrexate and acitretin in the treatment of generalized lichen planus.

 

Methods The study comprised 36 participants of both sexes who were between the ages of puberty and maturity. It was determined that the efficacy of oral methotrexate 15 mg/week was defined by 50% elimination of mucocutaneous lesions after 12 weeks of treatment. There were four weeks of data collection for nausea and weakness, as well as for haemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell count (WBC), and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and a safety assessment.

 

Results  The mean age of the patients in Group 1 is 54 years and 52.5years in Group 2, while the mean weight in Group 1 is 71.9 kg and 72.2 kg in Group 2. Methotrexate was shown to be effective with marked improvement in 33.3% and slight improvement in 38.9% of patient. While acitretin showed marked improvement in 33.3% and slight improvement in 33.3% of patients. Patients with mucosal involvement in group 1 were (N=6) and (N=7) in group 2. The overall side effects reported with acitretin group were slightly higher than methotrexate group.

 

Conclusion In our study, methotrexate and acitretin was proven to be both beneficial and safe for the vast majority of participants.

 

Author Biography

  • Ghafoor Ullah, Hayat Abad Medical Complex Peshawar, Gaju Khan Medical College Swabi, Medical officer Landi kotal hospital

    Department of Dermatology

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Published

01.06.2022

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Original Articles

How to Cite

1.
Comparison of efficacy of oral methotrexate and acitretin for generalized lichen planus. J Pak Assoc Dermatol [Internet]. 2022 Jun. 1 [cited 2026 Sep. 6];32(2):269-74. Available from: https://www.jpad.com.pk/index.php/jpad/article/view/1890