Satisfacción del paciente y el médico con la espuma en aerosol de calcipotriol y dipropionato de betametasona para el tratamiento de la psoriasis vulgar en el cuerpo / Patient and Physician Satisfaction with Calcipotriol and Betamethasone Dipropionate Aerosol Foam in the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis on the Body

Antecedentes y objetivo: La formulación de calcipotriol y dipropionato de betametasona (Cal/BD) en espuma para el tratamiento de la psoriasis vulgar presenta una alternativa galénica y una mayor eficacia respecto a presentaciones anteriores. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la satisfacción de pacientes y médicos con este tratamiento para la psoriasis corporal. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo en el que se incluyeron 446 pacientes con psoriasis en placas con una superficie de afectación máxima del 30% tratados con Cal/BD en espuma durante las 4 semanas previas. Los pacientes valoraron la satisfacción con el tratamiento mediante el cuestionario TSQM-9 (Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication) y los médicos mediante una escala Likert de 5 puntos. Resultados: En la evaluación de la eficacia de la medicación, los pacientes mostraron una alta satisfacción con la capacidad de Cal/BD en espuma en el tratamiento de su psoriasis (84%), alivio de síntomas (84,4%) y rapidez de acción (82,8%). Respecto a la comodidad en usar la medicación, el 91,8% de los pacientes valoraron positivamente la facilidad de uso, el 93,9% la facilidad en la planificación y el 89,9% la facilidad en el seguimiento de la posología. Globalmente, el 85% de los pacientes se mostraron satisfechos/sumamente satisfechos con el tratamiento. Respecto a la satisfacción con el tratamiento por parte de los médicos, el 85,7% se mostraron muy/bastante satisfechos. Conclusión: Cal/BD en espuma mostró altas tasas de satisfacción por parte de pacientes y médicos en el tratamiento de la psoriasis vulgar en el cuerpo

Background and objective: Calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) aerosol foam is more effective in the treatment of plaque psoriasis than earlier formulations incorporating this combination of active ingredients. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient and physician satisfaction with Cal/BD aerosol foam in the treatment of plaque psoriasis on the body. Material and methods: Retrospective observational study of 446 patients with plaque psoriasis affecting no more than 30% of the body surface area who had received treatment with Cal/BD aerosol foam for 4 weeks. The patients rated their satisfaction with the treatment using the TSQM-9 (Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication) and the physicians on a 5-point Likert scale. Results: Patients were highly satisfied with Cal/BD aerosol in terms of its ability to treat their condition (84%), relieve their symptoms (84.4%), and act rapidly (82.8%). With respect to convenience, the patients gave high ratings to ease of use (91.8%), ease of planning (93.9%), and ease of following instructions (89.9%). Global satisfaction was also high, with 85% of patients expressing that they were satisfied, very satisfied, or extremely satisfied with the treatment. Of the physicians, 85.7% stated that they were quite or very satisfied with the treatment. Conclusion: Both patients and physicians expressed high satisfaction with the use of Cal/BD aerosol foam for the treatment of plaque psoriasis on the body

Patient and Physician Satisfaction with Calcipotriol and Betamethasone Dipropionate Aerosol Foam in the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis on the Body. / Satisfacción del paciente y el médico con la espuma en aerosol de calcipotriol y dipropionato de betametasona para el tratamiento de la psoriasis vulgar en el cuerpo.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) aerosol foam is more effective in the treatment of plaque psoriasis than earlier formulations incorporating this combination of active ingredients. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient and physician satisfaction with Cal/BD aerosol foam in the treatment of plaque psoriasis on the body. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study of 446 patients with plaque psoriasis affecting no more than 30% of the body surface area who had received treatment with Cal/BD aerosol foam for 4 weeks. The patients rated their satisfaction with the treatment using the TSQM-9 (Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication) and the physicians on a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Patients were highly satisfied with Cal/BD aerosol in terms of its ability to treat their condition (84%), relieve their symptoms (84.4%), and act rapidly (82.8%). With respect to convenience, the patients gave high ratings to ease of use (91.8%), ease of planning (93.9%), and ease of following instructions (89.9%). Global satisfaction was also high, with 85% of patients expressing that they were satisfied, very satisfied, or extremely satisfied with the treatment. Of the physicians, 85.7% stated that they were quite or very satisfied with the treatment. CONCLUSION: Both patients and physicians expressed high satisfaction with the use of Cal/BD aerosol foam for the treatment of plaque psoriasis on the body.

Exéresis en U para onicocriptosis / Super U Technique for Ingrown Nails

No disponible

Use of biological treatments in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.

INTRODUCTION: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease which causes a great impact in the quality of life. Multiple therapeutic options have been proposed, and recently the potential use of biological drugs in severe cases has been postulated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study from seven tertiary Spanish centers reviewing the charts of patients with HS treated with biological drugs was performed. Retrieved information included epidemiological data, clinical features, pain intensity, Hurley stage, laboratory data and therapeutic outcomes. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were included in the study; 10 men (52.6%) and 9 women. Eight patients (42%) showed a Hurley severity stage II and 11 a stage III (57.8%). Adalimumab was prescribed as the first biological treatment in nine out of 19 cases (47.3%), whereas infliximab was prescribed in seven cases (36.8%), ustekinumab in two cases (10.5%) and etanercept in one (5.2%). A complete response was observed in three patients (two cases with infliximab and one case with ustekinumab), a partial improvement in 10 patients and in six patients no clinical improvement was noted. One patient referred worsening of the skin symptoms. In 6 cases, a second biological treatment was prescribed. In three of such cases, a partial improvement was noted, whereas in three cases no clinical improvement was observed. In two cases a switch to a third biological drug was indicated, with a partial improvement in one case. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Biological drugs could be a potential and effective therapeutic option for patients with severe HS. Complete and persistent clinical responses are rarely obtained (15%) and partial responses are achieved in approximately 50% of patients. No specific markers for a therapeutic response have been identified. No definitive conclusions regarding the most effective biological drug for HS could be drawn. Higher dosage schedules seem to be associated with higher response rates. The lack of response of one particular drug does not preclude a potential efficacy to another biological treatment.

Directrices del grupo español de psoriasis (GEP) basadas en la evidencia para el uso de medicamentos biológicos en pacientes con psoriasis en localizaciones de difícil tratamiento (uñas, cuero cabelludo, palmas y plantas) / Evidence-Based Guidelines of the Spanish Psoriasis Group on the Use of Biologic Therapy in Patients With Psoriasis in Difficult-to-Treat Sites (Nails, Scalp, Palms, and Soles)

El término de psoriasis en localizaciones de difícil tratamiento se emplea para hacer referencia a la psoriasis localizada en el cuero cabelludo, las uñas, las palmas y las plantas y que requiere un manejo diferenciado. A menudo los pacientes presentan un importante impacto físico y emocional, unido a la dificultad para controlar adecuadamente sus lesiones con tratamientos tópicos, debido a una insuficiente penetración de los principios activos y la escasa cosmeticidad de los vehículos empleados. Esta circunstancia justifica que la psoriasis en estas localizaciones pueda ser considerada grave, a pesar de su extensión limitada. La experiencia con terapias biológicas en estas localizaciones es escasa, en general en el contexto de ensayos clínicos de formas extensas de psoriasis moderada y grave, junto con series limitadas o casos aislados. En el presente artículo se presenta la calidad de la evidencia científica para los 4 agentes biológicos disponibles en España (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab y ustekinumab) siendo de nivel i en el caso de la psoriasis ungueal (nivel de recomendación A) y algo inferior en la psoriasis del cuero cabelludo y palmoplantar

Psoriatic lesions affecting the scalp, nails, palms, and the soles of the feet are described as difficult-to-treat psoriasis and require specific management. Involvement of these sites often has a significant physical and emotional impact on the patient and the lesions are difficult to control with topical treatments owing to inadequate penetration of active ingredients and the poor cosmetic characteristics of the vehicles used. Consequently, when difficult-to-treat sites are involved, psoriasis can be considered severe even though the lesions are not extensive. Scant information is available about the use of biologic therapy in this setting, and published data generally comes from clinical trials of patients who also had moderate to severe extensive lesions or from small case series and isolated case reports. In this article we review the quality of the scientific evidence for the 4 biologic agents currently available in Spain (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, and ustekinumab) and report level i evidence for the use of biologics to treat nail psoriasis (level of recommendation A) and a somewhat lower level of evidence in the case of scalp involvement and palmoplantar psoriasis

Evidence-based guidelines of the spanish psoriasis group on the use of biologic therapy in patients with psoriasis in difficult-to-treat sites (nails, scalp, palms, and soles).

Psoriatic lesions affecting the scalp, nails, palms, and the soles of the feet are described as difficult-to-treat psoriasis and require specific management. Involvement of these sites often has a significant physical and emotional impact on the patient and the lesions are difficult to control with topical treatments owing to inadequate penetration of active ingredients and the poor cosmetic characteristics of the vehicles used. Consequently, when difficult-to-treat sites are involved, psoriasis can be considered severe even though the lesions are not extensive. Scant information is available about the use of biologic therapy in this setting, and published data generally comes from clinical trials of patients who also had moderate to severe extensive lesions or from small case series and isolated case reports. In this article we review the quality of the scientific evidence for the 4 biologic agents currently available in Spain (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, and ustekinumab) and report level i evidence for the use of biologics to treat nail psoriasis (level of recommendation A) and a somewhat lower level of evidence in the case of scalp involvement and palmoplantar psoriasis.

La formulación magistral en la terapéutica dermatológica actual / Compounding as a Current Therapeutic Option in Dermatology

A pesar de la gran cantidad de productos disponibles producidos por la industria farmacéutica, hoy en día la formulación magistral sigue teniendo un papel muy importante en el tratamiento de las afecciones dermatológicas. Desde los inicios de la Dermatología se ha usado, siendo muy útil en el tratamiento de enfermedades para las que no se disponía de preparados farmacéuticos específicos; sin embargo, a medida que fueron apareciendo nuevos productos comercializados se puso en duda la utilidad de la formulación, cuestionando su seguridad, estabilidad y efectividad. Esto contrasta con la tendencia actual de recuperar la formulación, haciendo que vuelva a ocupar su lugar en la práctica dermatológica habitual. En el presente artículo revisamos las patologías en las que se usa con más frecuencia la formulación, sus utilidades e inconvenientes, la legislación actual al respecto en nuestro ámbito, aportando las últimas novedades descritas en cuanto a vehículos y principios activos disponibles (AU)

Compounding continues to play a key role in the treatment of skin conditions, despite the abundance of products made by the pharmaceutical industry. Right from the earliest days of dermatology, compounding proved very useful in the treatment of diseases for which no specific drugs were available. However, as new products came onto the market, this usefulness was called into question, and doubts over safety, stability, and effectiveness were raised. Today, compounding is regaining the place it once held in routine dermatological practice. We review the advantages and disadvantages of compounding, the most common indications, current legislation in our setting, and the latest developments in active ingredients and vehicles (AU)

Directrices españolas basadas en la evidencia para el tratamiento de la psoriasis con agentes biológicos, 2013. I. Consideraciones de eficacia y selección del tratamiento / Spanish Evidence-Based Guidelines on the Treatment of Psoriasis With Biologic Agents, 2013. Part 1: On Efficacy and Choice of Treatment

La terapia biológica representa una alternativa bien establecida en el manejo de la psoriasis moderada y grave. Sin embargo, su elevado coste, la experiencia relativamente limitada en su empleo clínico y la abundancia de publicaciones existentes hacen necesario el desarrollo de unas directrices basadas en la evidencia científica disponible y en el consenso de un grupo de expertos. El objetivo ideal del tratamiento de la psoriasis es conseguir y mantener a largo plazo un blanqueamiento completo o prácticamente completo o, en su defecto, una mínima afectación localizada y controlable con tratamientos tópicos. Aunque la evidencia disponible permite comparar de forma directa o indirecta la eficacia y las posibilidades de fracaso terapéutico primario o secundario de los diferentes fármacos según parámetros objetivos, las limitaciones en la extrapolación de los ensayos clínicos a la clínica diaria condicionan que la elección del fármaco y de la pauta de administración se realicen de forma individualizada en función de las características de cada paciente. La presente actualización de las directrices para el tratamiento de la psoriasis con agentes biológicos de la Academia Española de Dermatología y Venereología (AEDV) incorpora la información más reciente disponible a este respecto (AU)

Biologic therapy is a well-established strategy for managing moderate and severe psoriasis. Nevertheless, the high cost of such therapy, the relatively short span of clinical experience with biologics, and the abundance of literature now available on these agents have made evidence-based and consensus-based clinical guidelines necessary. The ideal goal of psoriasis treatment is to achieve complete or nearly complete clearing of lesions and to maintain it over time. Failing that ideal, the goal would be to reduce involvement to localized lesions that can be controlled with topical therapy. Although current evidence allows us to directly or indirectly compare the efficacy or risk of primary or secondary failure of available biologics based on objective outcomes, clinical trial findings cannot be directly translated to routine practice. As a result, the prescribing physician must tailor the treatment regimen to the individual patient. This update of the clinical practice guidelines issued by the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) on biologic therapy for psoriasis incorporates information from the most recent publications on this topic (AU)

Spanish evidence-based guidelines on the treatment of psoriasis with biologic agents, 2013. Part 1: on efficacy and choice of treatment. Spanish Psoriasis Group of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Biologic therapy is a well-established strategy for managing moderate and severe psoriasis. Nevertheless, the high cost of such therapy, the relatively short span of clinical experience with biologics, and the abundance of literature now available on these agents have made evidence-based and consensus-based clinical guidelines necessary. The ideal goal of psoriasis treatment is to achieve complete or nearly complete clearing of lesions and to maintain it over time. Failing that ideal, the goal would be to reduce involvement to localized lesions that can be controlled with topical therapy. Although current evidence allows us to directly or indirectly compare the efficacy or risk of primary or secondary failure of available biologics based on objective outcomes, clinical trial findings cannot be directly translated to routine practice. As a result, the prescribing physician must tailor the treatment regimen to the individual patient. This update of the clinical practice guidelines issued by the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) on biologic therapy for psoriasis incorporates information from the most recent publications on this topic.

Compounding as a current therapeutic option in dermatology.

Compounding continues to play a key role in the treatment of skin conditions, despite the abundance of products made by the pharmaceutical industry. Right from the earliest days of dermatology, compounding proved very useful in the treatment of diseases for which no specific drugs were available. However, as new products came onto the market, this usefulness was called into question, and doubts over safety, stability, and effectiveness were raised. Today, compounding is regaining the place it once held in routine dermatological practice. We review the advantages and disadvantages of compounding, the most common indications, current legislation in our setting, and the latest developments in active ingredients and vehicles.

Evaluación clínica y terapéutica de los pacientes con psoriasis moderada o grave en España. Estudio Secuence / Clinical and Therapeutic Evaluation of Patients with Moderate to Severe Psoriasis in Spain: The Secuence Study

Introducción: La evaluación de la gravedad de la psoriasis se considera esencial en el manejo terapéutico óptimo de los pacientes. Objetivos: Descripción de las características clínicas y perfil terapéutico de los pacientes con psoriasis moderada a grave en el ámbito español, evaluando su impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, de corte transversal, realizado en 90 unidades dermatológicas en España en 2009. Se incluyeron 442 pacientes diagnosticados de psoriasis moderada a grave que habían iniciado tratamiento con fármacos sistémicos, fototerapia y/o tratamientos tópicos entre 2004 y 2006. Resultados: Los pacientes con psoriasis más grave presentaron de forma significativa un mayor tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad, mayor prevalencia de enfermedades concomitantes y mayor afectación ungueal, del cuero cabelludo, de las flexuras y de la zona palmo-plantar, así como peor calidad de vida. Durante los 5 años previos al inicio del estudio el 68% de los pacientes recibieron tratamientos sistémicos convencionales, el 39,1% fármacos biológicos y el 22,3% fototerapia. En la actualidad el 57,5% estaban siendo tratados con algún fármaco biológico, el 32,6% recibían fármacos sistémicos convencionales y el 11% fototerapia. Conclusiones: La gravedad de la psoriasis se asoció en nuestro estudio con una marcada afectación de la calidad de vida. Independientemente de la gravedad de la psoriasis, el mayor predictor de mala calidad de vida fue la comorbilidad psiquiátrica. El tiempo medio de permanencia en otros tratamientos, incluyendo sistémicos convencionales o fototerapia, hasta el cambio a un primer biológico fue superior a los 2 años (AU)

Background: Evaluation of disease severity is considered essential in the optimal management of psoriasis. Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics and therapeutic profile of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis in Spain and to assess the impact of the disease on the patients’quality of life. Materials and methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional study carried out in 90 dermatology units in Spain in 2009. We included 442 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe psoriasis who had started treatment with systemic agents, phototherapy, and/or topical treatments between 2004 and 2006. Results: More severe psoriasis was significantly associated with the following: longer disease duration; higher prevalence of concomitant disease; greater involvement of the nails, scalp, flexures, palms, and soles; and poorer quality of life. In the 5 years before the start of the study,68% of the patients had received conventional systemic treatments, 39.1% biologic agents, and22.3% phototherapy. At present, 57.5% of the patients are being treated with biologic agents,32.6% with conventional systemic treatments, and 11% with phototherapy. Conclusions: Severity of psoriasis was associated with a marked impact on quality of life. Regardless of disease severity, psychiatric comorbidity was the strongest predictor of poor quality of life. On average, patients had received other treatments, such as conventional systemic treatments or phototherapy, for more than 2 years before switching to biologic agents for the first time (AU)

Clinical and therapeutic evaluation of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis in Spain: the secuence study.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of disease severity is considered essential in the optimal management of psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical characteristics and therapeutic profile of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis in Spain and to assess the impact of the disease on the patients' quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional study carried out in 90 dermatology units in Spain in 2009. We included 442 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe psoriasis who had started treatment with systemic agents, phototherapy, and/or topical treatments between 2004 and 2006. RESULTS: More severe psoriasis was significantly associated with the following: longer disease duration; higher prevalence of concomitant disease; greater involvement of the nails, scalp, flexures, palms, and soles; and poorer quality of life. In the 5 years before the start of the study, 68% of the patients had received conventional systemic treatments, 39.1% biologic agents, and 22.3% phototherapy. At present, 57.5% of the patients are being treated with biologic agents, 32.6% with conventional systemic treatments, and 11% with phototherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Severity of psoriasis was associated with a marked impact on quality of life. Regardless of disease severity, psychiatric comorbidity was the strongest predictor of poor quality of life. On average, patients had received other treatments, such as conventional systemic treatments or phototherapy, for more than 2 years before switching to biologic agents for the first time.

Ustekinumab. Otros usos. Otras formas de psoriasis. Otras patologías cutáneas / Ustekinumab. Other uses. Other forms of psoriasis. Other skin conditions

Ustekinumab es un anticuerpo monoclonal humano anti interleucina 12 y 23. En los ensayos clínicos pivotales quedó probada su eficacia y seguridad a nivel de la psoriasis en placas moderada-severa. Asimismo, cabe destacar que en dichos ensayos se utilizó también el índice de severidad de psoriasis ungueal para evaluar su efectividad en la psoriasis ungueal. Los pacientes tratados en el ensayo PHOENIX 1 (n=545) mostraron que las lesiones ungueales mejoraron de forma progresiva hasta la semana 52, si bien en la semana 12, después de dos dosis de ustekinumab, la mediana de la mejoría de las puntuaciones NASPI respecto al valor basal fue del 25%, llegando al 50% en la semana 24. Por otro lado, desde su reciente incorporación, ustekinumab también se ha empleado en otras formas de psoriasis (pustulosa, palmo-plantar, eritrodérmica) y también en otras enfermedades (pitiriasis rubra pilaris, hidradenitis supurativa y dermatitis atópica) (AU)

Ustekinumab is a human monoclonal antibody directed against IL-12 and IL-23. Pivotal clinical trials have proven its efficacy and safety in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The same trials have also evaluated the efficacy of this drug in nail psoriasis using the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI). Patients treated in the PHOENIX 1 trial (n=545) showed progressive improvement in NAPSI scores up to week 52. At week 12, after 2 doses of ustekinumab, the median improvement from baseline was 25% and at week 24, it was 50%. Since its recent approval for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, ustekinumab has been used to treat other forms of psoriasis (pustular, palmoplantar, and erythrodermic psoriasis) and other diseases (pityriasis rubra pilaris, hidradenitis suppurativa, and atopic dermatitis) (AU)

Psoriasis ungueal: tratamiento con ungüento hidrófilo de tazaroteno al 0.1 por ciento / Nail Psoriasis: Treatment With Tazarotene 0.1 percent Hydrophilic Ointment

Introducción: La afectación ungueal de la psoriasis es una presentación frecuente que interfiere de manera significativa en la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Su presentación clínica va a depender del área ungueal afecta: lecho o matriz. Un 50% de los pacientes refiere dolor asociado. En este estudio evaluamos la eficacia y seguridad del tazaroteno 0,1% en ungüento hidrófilo. Material y métodos: Estudio abierto y observacional de 6 pacientes diagnosticados de psoriasis ungueal. Se aplicó ungüento de tazaroteno 0,1% (fórmula magistral) en oclusión nocturna, en su domicilio durante 6 meses, sin otro tratamiento tópico o sistémico. Se determinó el Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) y se evaluaron la hiperqueratosis subungueal, onicólisis, hemorragias en astilla, manchas de aceite y piquiteado ungueal, en la visita basal, a los 3 y 6 meses. Resultados: Se observó una mejoría estadísticamente significativa en todos los pacientes: NAPSI basal, media ± DE 14,3± 6,3; IC 95% 11,74-16,92; mediana 15; NAPSI a los 6 meses: media ± DE 2,3 ±1,21; IC 95% 1,84-2,83; mediana 2,5; p=0,007. El porcentaje de mejoría fue del 87,9% al final del tratamiento. No se registraron efectos adversos. Conclusión: Nuestro estudio muestra un potencial terapéutico del ungüento de tazaroteno en la psoriasis ungueal (AU)

Introduction: Nail involvement is common in psoriasis and has a considerable impact on patient quality of life. Its clinical presentation depends on which part of the nail is affected: the bed or the matrix. Fifty percent of patients report associated pain. In this study, we analyzed the safety and effectiveness of tazarotene 0.1% in a hydrophilic ointment in the treatment of nail psoriasis. Material and methods: We performed an open observational study of 6 patients diagnosed with nail psoriasis. The patients applied a compounded preparation of tazarotene 0.1% ointment under occlusion every night for 6 months in their homes. They were not receiving any other topical or systemic treatments. Nail psoriasis severity (assessed using the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index [NAPSI]), subungual hyperkeratosis, onycholysis, splinter hemorrhages, oil stains, and nail pitting were evaluated at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. Results: A statistically significant improvement between baseline and 6 months was observed in all patients: the mean (SD) NAPSI went from 14.3 (6.3; 95% CI, 11.74-16.92) to 2.3 (1.21; 95% CI, 1.84-2.3) while the median went from 15 to 2.5 (P = 0.007). The percentage improvement at the end of treatment was 87.9%. No adverse effects were observed. Conclusion: Our study shows the therapeutic potential of tazarotene ointment in nail psoriasis (AU)

Clinical and Therapeutic Evaluation of Patients with Moderate to Severe Psoriasis in Spain: The Secuence Study. / Evaluación clínica y terapéutica de los pacientes con psoriasis moderada o grave en España. Estudio Secuence.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of disease severity is considered essential in the optimal management of psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical characteristics and therapeutic profile of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis in Spain and to assess the impact of the disease on the patients' quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional study carried out in 90 dermatology units in Spain in 2009. We included 442 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe psoriasis who had started treatment with systemic agents, phototherapy, and/or topical treatments between 2004 and 2006. RESULTS: More severe psoriasis was significantly associated with the following: longer disease duration; higher prevalence of concomitant disease; greater involvement of the nails, scalp, flexures, palms, and soles; and poorer quality of life. In the 5 years before the start of the study, 68% of the patients had received conventional systemic treatments, 39.1% biologic agents, and 22.3% phototherapy. At present, 57.5% of the patients are being treated with biologic agents, 32.6% with conventional systemic treatments, and 11% with phototherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Severity of psoriasis was associated with a marked impact on quality of life. Regardless of disease severity, psychiatric comorbidity was the strongest predictor of poor quality of life. On average, patients had received other treatments, such as conventional systemic treatments or phototherapy, for more than 2 years before switching to biologic agents for the first time.

Nail psoriasis: treatment with tazarotene 0.1% hydrophilic ointment.

INTRODUCTION: Nail involvement is common in psoriasis and has a considerable impact on patient quality of life. Its clinical presentation depends on which part of the nail is affected: the bed or the matrix. Fifty percent of patients report associated pain. In this study, we analyzed the safety and effectiveness of tazarotene 0.1% in a hydrophilic ointment in the treatment of nail psoriasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed an open observational study of 6 patients diagnosed with nail psoriasis. The patients applied a compounded preparation of tazarotene 0.1% ointment under occlusion every night for 6 months in their homes. They were not receiving any other topical or systemic treatments. Nail psoriasis severity (assessed using the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index [NAPSI]), subungual hyperkeratosis, onycholysis, splinter hemorrhages, oil stains, and nail pitting were evaluated at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: A statistically significant improvement between baseline and 6 months was observed in all patients: the mean (SD) NAPSI went from 14.3 (6.3; 95% CI, 11.74-16.92) to 2.3 (1.21; 95% CI, 1.84-2.3) while the median went from 15 to 2.5 (P = .007). The percentage improvement at the end of treatment was 87.9%. No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION: Our study shows the therapeutic potential of tazarotene ointment in nail psoriasis.

Perfil clínico y curso evolutivo de los pacientes tratados con efalizumab tras la suspensión de su autorización por la EMEA. Estudio observacional y multicéntrico / Clinical Characteristics and Disease Course in Patients Treated With Efalizumab Following Suspension of Marketing Authorization by the European Medicines Agency: A Multicenter Observational Study

Introducción: La reciente resolución de la EMEA con respecto a la suspensión de efalizumab, ocurrida en febrero del año 2009, ha proporcionado una oportunidad única para comprobar la evolución de un grupo de pacientes en cuya selección no intervinieron los filtros ni los sesgos habituales de los estudios pivotales. El objetivo planteado fue evaluar el curso de la psoriasis tras la suspensión forzosa de efalizumab en un grupo de pacientes tratados en el ámbito clínico. Como objetivos secundarios se planteó investigar su perfil clínico, la respuesta y evolución durante el tratamiento y el curso evolutivo a las 12 y 24 semanas tras la suspensión. Pacientes y métodos: Se recogió información procedente de un grupo de pacientes tratados con efalizumab referida al perfil epidemiológico, al curso de la dermatosis durante el tratamiento y a su evolución al suspenderlo. Se llevaron a cabo estudios estadísticos con vistas a identificar variables predictivas de los distintos objetivos investigados. Resultados: Se incluyeron 147 pacientes procedentes de 12 centros hospitalarios nacionales. Durante el tratamiento un 4% de los pacientes fue diagnosticado de exacerbación inflamatoria generalizada. La mayor parte de los pacientes pudieron ser clasificados como buenos respondedores (55%) o respondedores moderados (18%). Un 30% de los pacientes presentaron rebote tras la suspensión de efalizumab. La probabilidad de rebote fue independiente del perfil clínico, la respuesta al tratamiento o la actitud terapéutica del dermatólogo al suspenderlo. Discusión y conclusiones: Se comprobó una elevada ocurrencia de fenómeno de rebote tras la suspensión de efalizumab, superior a la descrita en los ensayos clínicos pivotales y especialmente significativa si se tiene en cuenta la elevada incidencia de buenos respondedores durante el tratamiento, considerados de mejor pronóstico. Otros datos significativos son la superior perspectiva de respuesta clínica —presumiblemente condicionada por el tiempo medio de tratamiento—, y la elevada incidencia de episodios de exacerbación inflamatoria generalizada (AU)

Background and objectives: The withdrawal of marketing authorization for efalizumab by the European Medicines Agency in February, 2009 provided a unique opportunity to assess the course of disease in patients who were not subject to the selection criteria and biases that were common in the pivotal trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the course of psoriasis following forced suspension of efalizumab in a group of patients treated in normal clinical practice. As secondary objectives, we sought to assess the relationships between clinical characteristics, treatment response, and disease course during efalizumab treatment and 12 and 24weeks after suspension. Patients and methods: Information on the epidemiological profile and disease course during treatment and following suspension of the drug was collected from a group of patients treated with efalizumab. Statistical analyses were performed to identify predictive factors. Results: One hundred forty-seven patients from 12 Spanish hospitals were included in the study. During treatment, 4% of patients were diagnosed with generalized inflammatory flares. Most patients could be classified as having a good (55%) or moderate (18%) response to treatment. Rebound following withdrawal of efalizumab was observed in 30% of patients. The likelihood of rebound was independent of clinical characteristics, treatment response, or therapeutic approach used by the dermatologist following suspension. Conclusions: There was a high frequency of rebound following suspension of efalizumab, exceeding the rate reported in pivotal trials. This is particularly noteworthy given the large proportion of patients with a good response to treatment and therefore believed to have a better prognosis. Other significant findings were the higher frequency of positive treatment response than observed in previous studies (possibly influenced by the mean treatment duration) and the high frequency of generalized inflammatory flares (AU)

[Clinical characteristics and disease course in patients treated with efalizumab following suspension of marketing authorization by the European medicines agency: a multicenter observational study]. / Perfil clínico y curso evolutivo de los pacientes tratados con efalizumab tras la suspensión de su autorización por la EMEA. Estudio observacional y multicéntrico.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The withdrawal of marketing authorization for efalizumab by the European Medicines Agency in February, 2009 provided a unique opportunity to assess the course of disease in patients who were not subject to the selection criteria and biases that were common in the pivotal trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the course of psoriasis following forced suspension of efalizumab in a group of patients treated in normal clinical practice. As secondary objectives, we sought to assess the relationships between clinical characteristics, treatment response, and disease course during efalizumab treatment and 12 and 24 weeks after suspension. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Information on the epidemiological profile and disease course during treatment and following suspension of the drug was collected from a group of patients treated with efalizumab. Statistical analyses were performed to identify predictive factors. RESULTS: One hundred forty-seven patients from 12 Spanish hospitals were included in the study. During treatment, 4% of patients were diagnosed with generalized inflammatory flares. Most patients could be classified as having a good (55%) or moderate (18%) response to treatment. Rebound following withdrawal of efalizumab was observed in 30% of patients. The likelihood of rebound was independent of clinical characteristics, treatment response, or therapeutic approach used by the dermatologist following suspension. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high frequency of rebound following suspension of efalizumab, exceeding the rate reported in pivotal trials. This is particularly noteworthy given the large proportion of patients with a good response to treatment and therefore believed to have a better prognosis. Other significant findings were the higher frequency of positive treatment response than observed in previous studies (possibly influenced by the mean treatment duration) and the high frequency of generalized inflammatory flares.

Documento de consenso de fototerapia en psoriasis del Grupo Español de Psoriasis: ultravioleta B de banda estrecha (UVBBE), láser y fuentes monocromáticas de excímeros y terapia fotodinámica / Narrowband UV-B, Monochromatic Excimer Laser, and Photodynamic Therapy in Psoriasis: A Consensus Statement of the Spanish Psoriasis Group

Los nuevos conocimientos y estrategias terapéuticas y de manejo de la psoriasis moderada y grave justifican la reevaluación del papel de los tratamientos clásicos en el manejo de estas formas de la enfermedad. En el presente documento se lleva a cabo la evaluación de la terapia ultravioleta B de banda estrecha (UVBBE) considerada en la actualidad, por su relación entre riesgo y beneficio, como la de primera elección en la fototerapia de la psoriasis. Por otra parte, se ha revisado y evaluado la terapia con sistemas y láseres de excímeros y la terapia fotodinámica en la psoriasis. El uso de estas terapias localizadas, aún limitado a pocos centros a escala nacional, constituye una alternativa terapéutica fundamentalmente en formas limitadas y recalcitrantes de psoriasis. En el siguiente documento se evalúan el perfil de eficacia, la seguridad, los esquemas terapéuticos, el tratamiento combinado y diversas consideraciones clínicas en función del perfil del paciente o de las características de la enfermedad (AU)

Novel treatment strategies and new information concerning the management of moderate to severe psoriasis justify a reassessment of the role of the classic therapies in this setting. This consensus statement evaluates narrowband UV-B therapy, which is currently considered the phototherapy option of choice in psoriasis because of its risk-to-benefit ratio. The role of excimer laser and photodynamic therapies are also discussed. These targeted therapies are still only available in a small number of centers in Spain and are used principally in the treatment of localized and recalcitrant forms of psoriasis. We discuss the efficacy and safety of phototherapy as well as treatment regimens, combination therapy, and clinical considerations relating to the characteristics of the patient or the disease (AU)