To the Editor.—
Cyclosporine has been in use since 1978, dramatically improving the success of organ transplantation. In 1979, Mueller and Herrmann reported the rapid resolution of psoriatic lesions in four patients treated with cyclosporine.1 Since then, additional reports have indicated that cyclosporine therapy appears effective in the treatment of psoriasis.2-4 Because the presumed mechanism of action and potential toxicities of cyclosporine differ from those of current antipsoriatic medications, it may prove a useful adjunctive or alternative therapy in the treatment of severe psoriasis.
Report of Cases.—
Fourteen patients were. selected according to the following criteria: they had to be 18 to 75 years of age, with one of the following conditions: plaques covering at least 30% of skin surface and unresponsive to traditional therapies; psoriasis associated with severe arthritis; or psoriasis with a major pustular or erythrodermic component. Excluded were pregnant women, patients suffering from malignancy, infection,