Author/Authors :
Khondker, Lubna FCPS Specialist in Dermatology and Venereology - Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka , Masood Choudhury, Agha Dept of Dermatology and Venereology - Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka , Rahman Shah, Obaidur FCPS Classified Specialist in Dermatology and Venereology - Combined Military Hospital (CMH) - Dhaka Cantt, Dhaka , Shahidullah Dept of Dermatology and Venereology - Shaheed Monsur Ali Medical College Hospital, Dhaka , Islam Khan, Shirajul DDV Specialist in Dennatology and Venereology - Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka , Sayem Ahmed, Abu Reza DDV Junior Consultant in Dermatology and Venereology Directorate General of Health - Mohakhali, Dhaka
Abstract :
Most of the patients of psoriasis have a chronic course with the need for continuous control of disease activity. Patients with moderate-to-severe disease generally require phototherapy, photo-chamotherapy or systemic agents (e.g. cyclosporine, methotrexate, oral retinoids, fumaric acid esters) to control their disease adequately. In general these therapeutic modalities have proven to be highly effective in the treatment of psoriasis. However, potentially serious toxicity can limit their long term use. In this respect, hydroxyurea REVIEW ARTICLE compares favourably with methotrexate which has a potential for producing irreversible hepatic damage and cyclosporine A with its potential for dose-related nephrotoxicity. Hydroxyurea, a hydroxylated molecule of urea is commonly used to treat chronic myelogeneous leukemia and polycythemia vera. Recent studies suggest it as an alternative to methotrexate in moderate-to-severe psoriasis.
