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

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 54years 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.   Key words Acitretin, methotrexate, lichen planus.