There have been reported some important findings in immunology of psoriasis, such as lower than normal level of IgM, defective humoral immune responsiveness to newly administered antigens during cytotoxic drug therapy, lower than normal incidence of active sensitization with DNCB, prolonged skin heterograft survival and presence of anti-IgG antibody in peripheral lymphocytes. These findings are strongly suggestive of some humoral as well as cellular immune dysfunction in patients with psoriasis.
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of BCG, a potent nonspecific immune stimulator, in patients with psoriasis. Total 41 cases of more than 2 years´ duration of illness and with widespread involvement and having had history of various previous treatment were selected at the Department of Dermatology, National Medical Center during October, 1973 and October, 1974. ´Liquid BCG (manufactured by NIH, Korea) was administered intradermally in a starting dose of 0. 1 ml(0.01 mg in dry weight) weekly. The dosage of BCG was increased to 0.3 or 0.5ml after 3 or. 5 injections and this dosage as maintained until some clinical changes were observed. The mean injection time to each patient was 20.7.
The results were as follows.
1. Eighteen cases showed no therapeutic response or aggravation of the lesions.
2. Six cases showed good therapeutic effect, resulting in only a few small lesions remained on elbows, knees or scalp areas.
3. Fourteen cases showed excellent therapeutic effect, that is complete disappearance of the lesions.
During 2 to 6 months´ follow up Veatio4 cases ehowed relapse and the remainders are still under observation. The mechanism o influence Of BCG on the clinical course of psoriatic patients is not determined, however, possible mechanism was discussed.
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