Evolving Landscape of Biologic Therapy for Pediatric Psoriasis.

Pediatric psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Current treatment modalities include topical medications, phototherapy, and systemic drugs, including biological agents. In cases of moderate-to-severe psoriasis recalcitrant to other therapies, biological therapies are often an attractive option given their dosing schedules, safety profiles, and need for less frequent laboratory monitoring, when compared with traditional systemic therapies. This article reviews biological treatment options approved for pediatric psoriasis and identifies others actively under investigation.

Phototherapy for Psoriasis in the Age of Biologics.

Phototherapy has utility as a psoriatic therapy, given its relatively high clinical efficacy, low side effect profile, and lower cost compared to newer effective treatments like biologics and small molecules. Phototherapy has shown Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)-75 and PASI-90 rates comparable to those of biologics and small molecules, with similarly rapid onsets of action, rates of remission, and quality of life scores. Certain patients may particularly benefit from phototherapy, such as those with localized disease or contraindications to systemic immunomodulatory medication. Phototherapy can be more cost-effective than biologics and conveniently administered at home, making it a valuable therapeutic option for the right patient.

Psoriasis Comorbidities and Their Treatment Impact.

Psoriasis, a systemic inflammatory disease classically presenting with cutaneous lesions, has significant involvement in other organ systems. This article explores the prevalence, clinical manifestations, screening mechanisms, and laboratory testing by which to evaluate these comorbidities. Treatment approach for these comorbidities must combine patient preference with established treatment algorithms while recognizing innovative therapeutics currently under development.

The Role of Genetics on Psoriasis Susceptibility, Comorbidities, and Treatment Response.

This review highlights advances made in psoriasis genetics, including findings from genome-wide association studies, exome-sequencing studies, and copy number variant studies. The impact of genetic variants on various comorbidities and therapeutic responses is discussed.

Disparities in Care for Psoriasis.

Race, ethnicity, language, sex, age, income, insurance status, location, and other socioeconomic and demographic factors influence access to and quality of care for patients with psoriasis, which can potentially lead to inequitable outcomes.

Adherence to Psoriasis Therapies.

Understanding the underlying causes of nonadherence among patients with psoriasis and adopting strategies to address these issues may allow providers to share responsibility and work alongside patients to overcome these barriers. The review explores patient adherence to different types of psoriasis treatment, suggestions for interventions to overcome barriers, and methods to promote adherence that have been published in the literature.

[Exploring the treatment strategy of liver-regulating wood-softening acupuncture method for psoriasis vulgaris based on the theory of "liver as the thief of five organs"].

Inspired by the theory of "liver as the thief of five organs", the authors believe that although psoriasis vulgaris manifests externally, its root cause lies internally in liver disharmony. During the active and stable phases, conventional acupuncture combined with liver-regulating wood-softening acupuncture method is used to regulate blood and harmonize the liver, addressing both the symptoms and the root cause. During the remission phase, liver-regulating wood-softening acupuncture method is employed to soothe the liver and restrain the yin, while also regulating and nurturing the emotional state. This study provides a clinical approach to acupuncture treatment for psoriasis vulgaris.

Is Telemedicine Suitable for Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Skin Conditions? A Systematic Review.

Telemedicine, the provision of remote healthcare, has gained prominence, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has the potential to replace routine in-person follow-up visits for patients with chronic inflammatory skin conditions. However, it remains unclear whether telemedicine can effectively substitute in-person consultations for this patient group. This systematic review assessed the effectiveness and safety of telemedicine compared with traditional in-person care for chronic inflammatory skin diseases. A comprehensive search in various databases identified 11 articles, including 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 1 clinical controlled trial (CCT). These studies evaluated telemedicine's impact on patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, with varying methods like video consultations and digital platforms. The findings tentatively suggest that telemedicine does not seem to be inferior compared with in-person care, particularly in terms of condition severity and quality of life for patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to the inherent uncertainties in the evidence. There are indications that telemedicine can offer benefits such as cost-effectiveness, time savings, and reduced travel distances, but it is important to recognize these findings as preliminary, necessitating further validation through more extensive research.

Cardiovascular Considerations and Implications for Treatment in Psoriasis: An Updated Review.

Psoriasis, a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting 2-3% of the global population, has transcended its dermatological confines, revealing a profound association with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This comprehensive review explores the intricate interplay between psoriasis and cardiovascular system, delving into genetic links, immune pathways, and adipose tissue dysfunction beyond conventional CVD risk factors. The pathophysiological connections unveil unique signatures, distinct from other inflammatory skin conditions, in particular psoriasis-specific genetic polymorphisms in IL-23 and TNF-α have consistently been linked to CVD. The review navigates the complex landscape of psoriasis treatments, addressing challenges and future directions in particular relevance to CVDs in psoriasis. Therapeutic interventions, including TNF inhibitors (TNFi), present promise in reducing cardiovascular risks, and methotrexate could constitute a favourable choice. Conversely, the relationship between IL-12/23 inhibitors and cardiovascular risk remains uncertain, while recent evidence indicates that Janus kinase inhibitors may not carry CVD risks. Emerging evidence supports the safety and efficacy of IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors in patients with CVDs, hinting at evolving therapeutic paradigms. Lifestyle modifications, statins, and emerging therapies offer preventive strategies. Dedicated screening guidelines for CVD risk assessment in psoriasis are however lacking. Further, the impact of different disease phenotypes and treatment hierarchies in cardiovascular outcomes remains elusive, demanding ongoing research at the intersection of dermatology, rheumatology, and cardiology. In conclusion, unraveling the intricate connections between psoriasis and CVD provides a foundation for a holistic approach to patient care. Collaboration between specialties, advancements in screening methodologies, and a nuanced understanding of treatment impacts are essential for comprehensive cardiovascular risk management in individuals with psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that not only affects the skin but is also linked to issues in the body's fat tissue, which can lead to inflammation and heart problems. The fat tissue in people with psoriasis contains various immune cells, contributing to obesity and insulin resistance. Research has found a strong connection between inflammation in fat tissues and cardiovascular problems in people with psoriasis. Specific substances released by fat tissue, like leptin, resistin, and adiponectin, can impact inflammation and cardiovascular health. Psoriasis patients often show increased levels of these substances. Treatment for psoriasis may influence cardiovascular health. Some studies suggest that certain medications, like methotrexate or TNF inhibitors, may lower the risk of heart events. However, there are also concerns about potential adverse effects, and further research is needed to fully understand how psoriasis treatments affect cardiovascular outcomes. To manage the cardiovascular risks associated with psoriasis, regular screening for heart-related issues is recommended. Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, stress management, and smoking cessation, are also essential. Additionally, specific medications, like statins and metformin, may be beneficial in controlling cardiovascular risk factors in people with psoriasis. Despite advancements in understanding the relationship between psoriasis and cardiovascular health, there are still challenges. Research is ongoing to develop better screening guidelines and treatment strategies. Collaboration between dermatologists, rheumatologists, and cardiologists is crucial to address the complex nature of this condition and its impact on the heart.

Shared decision-making in psoriasis care: Evaluation of how patients' perception of clinicians' delivery of care changes by age and sex.

BACKGROUND: Shared decision-making (SDM) refers to a collaborative process in which clinicians assist patients in making medically informed, evidence-based decisions that align with their values and preferences. There is a paucity of literature on SDM in dermatology. OBJECTIVE: We aim to assess whether male and female psoriasis patients evaluate their clinicians' engagement in SDM differently across different age groups. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using data from the 2014-2017 and 2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys (MEPS). RESULTS: A weighted total of 7,795,608 psoriasis patients were identified. SDM Scores ranged from 1 to 4, with 4 representing the most favorable patient evaluation of their clinicians' engagement in SDM. We conducted multivariate linear regression to compare mean SDM Scores in male psoriasis patients versus female psoriasis patients across different patient age groups. Female patients ages 60-69 perceived significantly greater clinician engagement in SDM compared to age-matched male patients (female patient perception of SDM 3.65 [95%CI:3.61-3.69] vs. male patient perception of SDM 3.50 [95%CI:3.43-3.58], p<0.005). The same trend of older female patients evaluating their clinicians' engagement in SDM significantly higher than their age-matched male counterparts exists for the age group >70 (p<0.005). No significant differences between male and female patients' evaluations of their clinicians' engagement in SDM were demonstrated in subjects younger than 60. All calculations were adjusted for demographic and clinical factors. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to older male psoriasis patients, older female psoriasis patients evaluated their clinicians to be more engaged in shared decision-making.

Using Guidelines of Care to Lower Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Psoriasis.

National guidelines define psoriasis as a risk enhancer for cardiovascular disease and recommend increased monitoring and more intense management of cardiovascular risk factors in these patients, who face an increased burden of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Screening for modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, glucose, and smoking, can be efficiently incorporated into routine dermatology clinical practice. Partnerships with primary care providers and preventive cardiologists are essential to improving management of cardiovascular risk in patients with psoriasis.

RNA-Based Antipsoriatic Gene Therapy: An Updated Review Focusing on Evidence from Animal Models.

Psoriasis presents as a complex genetic skin disorder, characterized by the interaction between infiltrated immune cells and keratinocytes. Substantial progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms of both coding and non-coding genes, which has positively impacted clinical treatment approaches. Despite extensive research into the genetic aspects of psoriasis pathogenesis, fully grasping its epigenetic component remains a challenging endeavor. In response to the pressing demand for innovative treatments to alleviate inflammatory skin disorders, various novel strategies are under consideration. These include gene therapy employing antisense nucleotides, silencing RNA complexes, stem cell therapy, and antibody-based therapy. There is a pressing requirement for a psoriasis-like animal model that replicates human psoriasis to facilitate early preclinical evaluations of these novel treatments. The authors conduct a comprehensive review of various gene therapy in different psoriasis-like animal models utilized in psoriasis research. The animals included in the list underwent skin treatments such as imiquimod application, as well as genetic and biologic injections, and the results of these interventions are detailed. Animal models play a crucial role in translating drug discoveries from the laboratory to clinical practice, and these models aid in improving the reproducibility and clinical applicability of preclinical data. Numerous animal models with characteristics similar to those of human psoriasis have proven to be useful in understanding the development of psoriasis. In this review, the article focuses on RNA-based gene therapy exploration in different types of psoriasis-like animal models to improve the treatment of psoriasis.

Clinical course and disease burden of patients with generalized pustular psoriasis in Portugal: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare, life-threatening skin inflammatory disorder. This study aimed to describe the disease course, treatment strategies, and healthcare utilization among patients with GPP in Portugal. METHODS: This multicentric, observational, retrospective study included consecutive adult patients with GPP undergoing a dermatology evaluation in different reporting institutions by experienced dermatologists between 2002 and 2023. RESULTS: A total of 59 patients were assessed. Most of the cohort had a previous history of plaque psoriasis (71%) and 83% presented at least one comorbidity. At the initial encounter, 64% of the cohort needed hospitalization. Systemic involvement was common, including fever (37%), and elevated white blood cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate/C-reactive protein (49%). Nearly, 73% of patients initiated systemic drugs, and 70% had to discontinue the first treatment. During the study, 98% of patients experienced at least one flare. At the last visit, 3.4% of patients had died, and 71.2% exhibited signs of active disease despite undergoing treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that GPP is a chronic, debilitating condition associated with systemic involvement, frequent flares, and hospitalizations, despite receiving multiple systemic treatments. Improved disease awareness and new treatments are needed to improve patient care and decrease the burden of the disease.

Expression of IL-4 in Tumors: A Safety Surrogate to Predict Cancer Survival Associated With Biologic Therapies.

Interleukin (IL)-4-targeted therapies have revolutionized management of inflammatory dermatoses.

[Treatment of childhood psoriasis: present and future]. / Thérapie du psoriasis pédiatrique : présent et futur.

Psoriasis may present in childhood with skin, nail and scalp lesions but sometimes also articular involvement. It has an import impact on the quality of life of young patients. In this article we present an overview of the treatments that may be used in children according to skin area involved and severity of lesions with special interest for the biological treatments, already available and under investigation.

Le psoriasis peut déjà se manifester dans l'enfance avec des lésions cutanées, des ongles, du scalp, mais parfois aussi une atteinte articulaire. Cette maladie a un impact important sur la qualité de vie de l'enfant. Dans cet article, nous présentons une revue des traitements en ce moment possibles chez les enfants, selon la surface de peau atteinte, la sévérité des lésions, en mettant surtout en lumière les traitements par biologiques déjà possibles et en étude.