An Open-Label Study to Evaluate the Transition of Patients with Chronic Plaque Psoriasis from Cyclosporine to Alefacept

April 2007 | Volume 6 | Issue 4 | Original Article | 424 | Copyright © April 2007


Melissa A. Magliocco MD, Ann Marie Lozano RN BSN CCRC, Claudia Van Saders RN CCRC, Kristine W. Schuler MS, Alice B. Gottlieb MD PhD

Abstract
Eleven patients with well-controlled psoriasis on cyclosporine (Physician’s Global Assessment [PGA] of “mild” or better) participated in an open-label study that evaluated a strategy for transition to alefacept. Using this transition strategy, 7 of 11 patients (64%) maintained PGA scores. Quality of life improved or was maintained in all patients. Adverse events and reductions in CD4+ T cell counts were consistent with those seen during alefacept monotherapy.