Genotoxic Hazard and Cellular Stress in Pediatric Patients Treated for Psoriasis with the Goeckerman Regimen

Abstract

The Goeckerman regimen (GR) represents a local treatment of psoriasis and includes topical dermal application of crude coal tar (containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and exposure to UV-irradiation. The aim of the study was to evaluate contribution of GR to genotoxic risk and cellular stress in pediatric patients who represent a sensitive population subgroup.

Decreasing of psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score indicated higher likelihood of GR (p < 0.001). Significantly increased chromosomal aberrations (p < 0.001) and Hsp70 (p < 0.05) indicated higher genotoxic risk and cellular stress insensitive pediatric patients, immediately after GR.