16. Role of Folic Acid Supplement in Reduction of Methotrexate’s Side Effects in Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis
Muhammad Yasir Qureshi1, Naheed Memon2 and Ramesh Kumar Suthar3
ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the role of folic acid (FA) supplement in reduction of methotrexate’s side effects in treatment of plaque psoriasis. Study Design: Cross sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Dermatology at Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad from January to June 2016.
Materials and Methods: Cases>18 years age, and diagnoses withchronic plaque psoriasis ofsevere-to-moderate intensity were selected in the study after clinical examination. Each of the patients underwent oral methotrexate treatment along with folic supplementation. Cases were divided in two groups according to folic supplementation as 5mg and 10mg FA, and side effects of methotrexate were noted in both groups. All the information was recorded in the proforma.
Results: Mean age of the patients in this study was 44.34+3.14 years. Male were found in the majority 69.10%. In this study cases were divided in two groups according to folic acid supplementation, 41.80% cases were on 5mg, and 58.20% cases were on 10mg folic acid out of 55 patents. Side effects were noted in 40 cases out of 55,6 patients were not come for follow-up and 9 cases were without complains of side effects. Side effects were note as; uneasiness, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, dizziness and others with percentage of 28(70.0%), 31(77.5%), 18(45.0%), 31(77.5%), 27(67.5%) and 20(50.0%) respectively. As well as reduction of the side effects were found in cases under supplement of 10mg folic acid as compare to 5mg, while no significant difference was found, P-value 0.09.
Conclusion: It is concluded that side effects of Methotrexate were decreased due to folic acid supplement but not significant.
Key Word: Plaque psoriasis, Methotrexate, folic acid
Citation of article: Qureshi MY, Memon N, Suthar RK. Role of Folic Acid Supplement in Reduction of Methotrexate’s Side Effects in Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis. Med Forum 2017;28(1):65-68.