Clinical Characteristics Associated With Response to Biologics in the Treatment of Psoriasis: A Meta-analysis.

Importance: Clinical characteristics associated with treatment response to biologics in patients with psoriasis have never been systematically investigated. Objective: To evaluate the association between patient clinical characteristics and the effectiveness of biologics in treating psoriasis. Data Sources: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from their inception through April 2022. Studies in English language that reported response to biologic treatment at approved doses in patients with psoriasis in relation to their clinical characteristics were included. In addition, eligible studies were identified through a search of the reference lists of the included studies. Study Selection: We only included studies that reported treatment outcomes as Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 or PASI 90 after 12, 26, and/or 52 weeks of treatment. Both observational studies and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were considered. Two independent authors conducted the screening process, and 107 studies were assessed for eligibility. Data Extraction and Synthesis: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines were followed. Relevant data were extracted independently by 2 authors. Data were pooled using random-effects models. RCTs and observational studies were pooled in separate analyses. Data were analyzed from June 1, 2023, to August 1, 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was PASI 90 at 26 weeks (6 months). Before data collection began, an investigation of the association between the main (and secondary) outcomes and several clinical characteristics was planned. Results: Overall, 40 studies with a total of 21 438 patients were included. Older age (odds ratio [OR], 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-1.00), previous exposure to biologics (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.29-0.67), higher body mass index (BMI) (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94-0.99), previous smoking (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.67-0.98), and current smoking (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.66-0.91) were negatively associated with achieving PASI 90 at 6 months in observational studies. In RCTs, only BMI of 30 or higher was negatively associated with treatment response (PASI 90 at 3 months: OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.48-0.66). Conclusions and Relevance: This meta-analysis found that patients with psoriasis who smoke or have a history of smoking, as well as those with previous exposure to biologics, older age, or higher BMI, exhibited poorer response to biologics in observational studies. However, it remains unclear whether these clinical characteristics influence treatment response differently for the different biologics available for psoriasis.

Safety and Efficacy of Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors in the Treatment of Facial and Genital Psoriasis: A Systematic Review.

Facial and genital psoriasis impairs quality of life and is challenging to treat because of increased percutaneous penetration and, consequently, increased risk of adverse effects. Topical calcineurin inhibitors are recognized as a valid off-label treatment for these sensitive skin areas, but data on safety and efficacy are limited. This systematic review of the literature included 24 of 3,322 studies (5 randomized controlled trials, 9 open-label studies, 2 case series and 8 case reports). All studies demonstrated positive efficacy; 11 studies found statistically significant reductions in psoriasis severity. Local stinging, burning and itching were the most common short-term adverse effects and were reported in 18 studies. Topical calcineurin inhibitors appear to have an important role in the treatment of facial and genital psoriasis. The drugs are effective and generally well-tolerated with few adverse effects.

Predictors of Response to Biologics in Patients with Moderate-to-severe Psoriasis: A Danish Nationwide Cohort Study.

Identifying patient characteristics associated with achieving treatment response to biologics in patients with psoriasis could prevent expensive switching between biologics. The aim of this study was to identify patient characteristics that predict the efficacy of treatment for biologics that inhibit tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-12/-23, and -17A. The study investigated biologic-naïve patients from the DERMBIO registry treated with adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, secukinumab, or ustekinumab. Multivariable logistic models were conducted to assess associations between patient characteristics and treatment response. A total of 2,384 patients were included (adalimumab n = 911; etanercept n = 327; infliximab n = 152; secukinumab n = 323; ustekinumab n = 671). Smoking (odds ratio 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56-0.97; p = 0.03) and higher bodyweight (odds ratio 0.989; 95% CI 0.984-0.994; p < 0.001) reduced the odds of achieving response defined as Psoriasis Area and Severity Index ≤2.0 after 6 months of treatment. In conclusion, higher bodyweight and smoking were associated with a reduced probability of treatment response for tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors, ustekinumab, and secukinumab.

Are Systemic Corticosteroids Causing Psoriasis Flare-Ups? Questionnaire for Danish Dermatologists, Gastroenterologists and Rheumatologists.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis flare-ups and the change of morphology from nonpustular to pustular psoriasis following tapering and withdrawal of systemic corticosteroids have been reported. Despite these risks, systemic corticosteroids are still widely prescribed for patients with psoriasis, but the knowledge about psoriasis flare-ups and whether the physicians take precautions during these treatments is limited. METHODS: We conducted a questionnaire study among all dermatologists, gastroenterologists and rheumatologists in Denmark who work at a hospital or in a private practice to investigate the use, opinion and experience with oral, intramuscular and intra-articular corticosteroids in the treatment of patients with psoriasis. RESULTS: We received answers from a total of 248 physicians. Compared with oral and intramuscular corticosteroids, intra-articular corticosteroids were the most reported treatment in patients with psoriasis and only used by the rheumatologists. It was mainly the dermatologists and rheumatologists who had observed psoriasis flare-ups following treatment with oral, intramuscular and intra-articular corticosteroids. Half of the dermatologists (50%) and a fourth of the rheumatologists (29%) had observed at least one psoriasis flare-up following treatment with oral corticosteroids. About 10% of both the dermatologists and the rheumatologists had observed at least one psoriasis flare-up following treatment with intramuscular and/or intra-articular corticosteroids. Overall, 44% of the respondents took precautions, when they treated a patient with psoriasis with oral, intramuscular and intra-articular corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: The results from the questionnaire indicate that systemic corticosteroids for patients with psoriasis can cause flare-ups and should be used with care.