ABSTRACT
Aim: To systematically compare the efficacy and safety of biologics [tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), interleukin (IL) inhibitors, phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors (PDE4i), and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi)] for biological-naïve patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched until 12 March 2023. Only head-to-head active comparison studies were included, and placebo-controlled studies without active biologic comparators were excluded. Outcomes included musculoskeletal endpoint [American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20/50/70, resolution of enthesitis, resolution of dactylitis], function endpoint [Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) change, ∆ HAQ-DI ≥ 0.35], composite index endpoint [ACR 50 + Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) 100], and adverse events. The Jadad scale and Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) were adopted to evaluate the quality of eligible studies. Results: Totally 17 studies with head-to-head comparisons of these biologics were included in this systematic review and network meta-analysis. Compared with IL-17A inhibitors (IL-17Ai), TNFi were associated with a lower rate of achieving ACR 20 response [pooled risk ratios (RR) = 0.92, 95% credibility interval (CrI): 0.86, 0.98]. JAKi had the greatest possibility of achieving ACR 20 (50.25%) and ACR 50 (83.03%). The JAKi group had a higher rate of achieving ACR 70 response than the IL-17Ai group (pooled RR = 1.25, 95%CrI: 1.00, 1.57); TNFi were less effective than JAKi in terms of ACR 70 (pooled RR = 0.77, 95%CrI: 0.64, 0.94). ACR 70 was most likely to be achieved in patients using JAKi (97.48%). The IL-17Ai group had a higher rate of enthesitis resolution than the TNFi group [pooled RR = 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02, 1.47]. Compared with IL-17Ai, TNFi were associated with a lower rate of enthesitis resolution (pooled RR = 0.80, 95%CrI: 0.72, 0.88). Patients receiving IL-17Ai had the highest likelihood of achieving enthesitis resolution (82.76%), dactylitis resolution (58.66%) and the greatest HAQ-DI change (59.74%). IL-17Ai had a similar impact in achieving ∆ HAQ-DI ≥ 0.35 to TNFi (pooled RR = 1.15, 95%CI: 0.93, 1.41). Individuals receiving IL-17Ai had a higher rate of achieving combined ACR 50 and PASI 100 response than those receiving TNFi (pooled RR = 1.56, 95%CI: 1.29, 1.88). Patients receiving PDE4i were least likely to have adverse events (41.59%). Conclusion: In 2023, considering both efficacy and safety, IL-17Ai may be the better treatment option for biological-naïve patients with PsA requiring biological therapy.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Dupilumab is the first biologic agent used to clinically treat moderate and severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and is currently the only biologic agent used for this condition. Many studies have reported that moderate-to-severe AD was significantly improved after dupilumab injection, although head/neck dermatitis occurred with itching, flushing, and scaling. Moreover, because all the symptoms occur after dupilumab treatment, they are called "dupilumab facial redness (DFR)". Aim: To retrospectively analyse the clinical characteristics and treatment of facial erythema in patients with atopic dermatitis treated with dupilumab. Material and methods: The clinical data of patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis treated with dupilumab (600 mg for the first time, 300 mg every 2 weeks thereafter) in the department of dermatology from July 2020 to May 2022 were obtained. We described their characteristics and analysed their symptomatic treatment measures and efficacy. Results: Twenty-one patients with DFR were included. Most clinical manifestations were erythema and pruritus, which differed from the symptoms of typical moderate-to-severe AD. After treatment, drug withdrawal, and dressing change, the symptoms of 17 patients were effectively controlled or completely improved, while these of 4 did not improve. Conclusions: Although the mechanism of DFR is still unclear, symptomatic treatment is partially effective, and medication discontinuation and switching to Janus kinase inhibitors are acceptable for some patients.
ABSTRACT
Psoriasis is relatively common in clinical practice, whereas niacin deficiency is relatively rare. We describe the clinical case of a patient with plaque psoriasis for over 20 years who also had a concomitant latent tuberculosis infection. After secukinumab and anti-tuberculosis treatment for 1 year, the psoriatic rash mostly resolved, but atypical symptoms of niacin deficiency suddenly appeared. The patient's symptoms rapidly subsided after experimental treatment with niacin. After 2 weeks, the patient suddenly developed an erythroderma-like rash, manifesting as large areas of erythema and plaque psoriasis throughout the body. The patient was admitted to the hospital and treated with an anti-inflammatory, biologic adalimumab, tripterygium glycoside, and sodium thiosulfate. The patient was discharged after a week. This case suggests the need for caution and to look out for the emergence of new symptoms when treating patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, especially with biologics.
