Efficacy and Safety of 5% Topical Caffeine Added to 0.025% Fluocinolone Acetonide Cream for Plaque Psoriasis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

What was studied

This trial tested caffeine added to a steroid cream for plaque psoriasis. It took place at a clinic in Tabriz, Iran. The trial included 40 people. They were split at random into 2 groups of 20. One group got caffeine plus the cream. The other group got the cream alone. Psoriasis severity was scored weekly for 4 weeks.

What they found

Scores were lower with caffeine at each check. At week 4, the PASI score was 0.39 with caffeine. It was 2.29 with cream alone. Complete clearance occurred in 14 of 20 people with caffeine. It occurred in 1 of 20 with cream alone. No adverse events were reported.

What it means for patients

The authors say caffeine plus cream cut psoriasis severity more in the short term. They say no adverse events were reported over 4 weeks. They call for larger trials.

Why it is not certain yet

The trial was small, with 40 people. It lasted only 4 weeks. The authors say longer follow-up is needed. They say longer-term tolerability is not yet known. The abstract names one hospital clinic.

Source

Efficacy and Safety of 5% Topical Caffeine Added to 0.025% Fluocinolone Acetonide Cream for Plaque Psoriasis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

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