Psoriasis

PSORIASIS

FEATURE ARTICLE

Despite Appearing Obvious, Link Between Stress and Psoriasis Is Still Not Well Understood

Linda Peckel

The clinical question remains as to whether stress is a trigger—or at least an exacerbating factor—in psoriasis and if so, how this should influence treatment approaches.

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Psoriasis is a chronic disease that affects 2% to 3% of men and women.2 The disease is characterized by plaques and reddish scaly patches. Some women develop pustular psoriasis, which can be life-threatening if severe.3 Although most women with psoriasis notice symptom improvement during pregnancy, 10% to 20% have symptom deterioration.3 The effect of psoriasis on fetal health is unclear.2 Some studies have suggested that psoriasis, which is a TH1-driven disease, contributes to lower birth weight as observed in other TH1-driven diseases.2 The proposed negative effects of psoriasis on fetal health are usually linked to moderate or severe psoriasis. Topical corticosteroids are safe to use during pregnancy, but topical tar products, tazarotene, and retinoids are teratogenic and should be avoided.2,7 Ultraviolent B phototherapy is safe in pregnant women with moderate to severe psoriasis but may compromise folate levels.2 Limited data are available about the safety of biologics during pregnancy, and careful consideration is required before prescribing.2,7

Bimekizumab Compared With Ustekinumab in Plaque Psoriasis Trial

Brian Park, PharmD

Bimekizumab met both co-primary end points as well as key secondary end points demonstrating superior to ustekinumab and placebo at Week 16.

An example of plaque psoriasis on a patient's back

Efficacy of Psoriasis Biologics Lower in Late-Onset Small Plaques and Gigantic Plaques

Brandon May

In patients with late-onset small plaques, the efficacy of biologic agents, especially TNF inhibitors may be lower than in patients with large plaques.

Early Serum Ustekinumab Levels Predictive of Psoriasis Treatment Response

Emily Pond

Adequate drug exposure early in the treatment cycle of psoriasis may be particularly important in determining clinical outcome.

Scalp Psoriasis Improves With Real-World Use of Cal/BD Aerosol Foam

Morgan E. Meissner

A newer Cal/BD aerosol foam formulation showed markedly improved signs and severity in patients with scalp psoriasis.

NDA for Plaque Psoriasis Treatment Wynzora Submitted for Review

Diana Ernst, RPh

The treatment was evaluated in a head-to-head phase 3 trial.

Brodalumab Confers Long-Term Benefit in Skin Clearance and QoL in Patients With Moderate to Severe Psoriasis

Brandon May

Long-term use of the well-tolerated biologic brodalumab improved skin clearance and quality of life in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Guselkumab Demonstrates Superiority to Secukinumab for Reducing Psoriasis Area and Severity

Brandon May

This first ever head-to-head comparison of guselkumab vs secukinumab reported superior long-term efficacy for guselkumab at week 48.

Examining the Utility, Cost-Effectiveness of Repeat Tuberculosis Testing for Patients With Psoriasis Receiving TNFIs

Emily Pond

These findings support the belief that serial LTBI testing in low-risk populations may be associated with higher likelihood of false-positive test results, unnecessary costs/treatment, and increased adverse events.

Patients With Psoriasis Have 2-Fold Higher Risk for Mortality

Brandon May

The study adds to the current literature by demonstrating the increased and independent risk for mortality-associated psoriasis, using a nationally representative sample of the US population.

Global Expert Opinion on Psoriasis Severity Established

Brandon May

This statement rejects the mild, moderate, and severe categories in favor of a dichotomous definition: patients with psoriasis should be classified as either candidates for topical therapy or candidates for systemic therapy.

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