Real-world data on the effectiveness of brodalumab in patients with moderate-to severe plaque psoriasis in the Greek clinical setting (the BrIDGE study).

BACKGROUND: Despite that brodalumab's efficacy and safety have been assessed in randomized clinical trials, real-life data remain scarce. BrIDGE was an observational, prospective, single-cohort, multicentre study that recruited patients with moderate-to severe plaque psoriasis in Greece. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to assess the proportion of patients who achieved Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)100 after 24 weeks. Other endpoints included: the maintenance of PASI90/100 through to 104 weeks, the short-term response [PASI75/90/100 and static Physician's Global Assessment (sPGA) 0/1] to brodalumab at 12-16 weeks and time to complete clearance. Moreover, we explored the change in quality of life [Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) 0/1] and adherence to brodalumab. METHODS: Two hundred patients who were initiating treatment with or switching to brodalumab, were recruited. Analyses were conducted using the as observed data and three imputation approaches were also applied for the missing data (last observation carried forward, 'worst case' and 'best case' scenario). Continuous variables were reported using summary statistics, whereas categorical variables were reported in frequency tables. RESULTS: Based on the 'as observed data', 42.0% of patients achieved PASI100 at Week 24 after 25.9 ± 3.5 weeks and 65% of patients attained PASI100 at Week 104. In total, 70.2%, 47.5% and 32.0% achieved PASI75/90/100, respectively, whereas 72.6% of patients achieved sPGA 0/1, at Weeks 12-16. With respect to sPGA status 82.8%, 89.2% and 92.5% of patients achieved sPGA 0/1 at Weeks 24, 52 and 104, respectively. The time to achieve PASI100 at Weeks 12-16 was 13.7 ± 1.3, 52.1 ± 3.4 weeks at Week 52 and 105.5 ± 4.8 weeks at Week 104. Mean DLQI and Psoriasis Symptom Inventory (PSI) scores decreased by 11.4 ± 7.0 and 15.4 ± 6.5 points from baseline to Week 104, respectively. Adherence to treatment was equal to 98.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Brodalumab confers rapid and durable responses, as well as improvements in the quality of life of moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients.

Use of Dermoscopy among Greek Dermatologists in Everyday Clinical Practice: A National Questionnaire-Based Study.

Background: Dermatoscopy has been established as an important diagnostic tool for a wide range of skin diseases. This study aims to evaluate the use of dermatoscopy in clinical practice among Greek dermatologists. Methods: A nationwide questionnaire-based survey was conducted collecting data on the frequency of dermatoscopic examinations, the types of lesions examined, training and educational resources, as well as factors influencing the choice to incorporate dermatoscopy into daily clinical routines. Results: A total of 366 Greek dermatologists participated in the survey. Most of the respondents reported the daily use of dermatoscopy in their practice. Pigmented and non-pigmented lesions, inflammatory diseases, cutaneous infectious, hair disorders, and nail lesions were the most common indications for dermatoscopy. Factors influencing the utilization of dermatoscopy included increased diagnostic accuracy, enhanced patient care, better patient communication and general compliance, and improved satisfaction among dermatologists. Conclusions: This national questionnaire-based study demonstrates that dermatoscopy has become an integral part of daily dermatological practice in Greece. The findings highlight the significance of structured training and education to promote dermoscopy's effective and routine use. Incorporating dermatoscopy into clinical practice not only improves diagnostic precision but also enhances patient care, contributing to the overall quality of dermatological services in Greece.