Joint AAD-NPF guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with awareness and attention to comorbidities

Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins in Psoriasis-A Review

Psoriasis is one of the most common skin diseases in dermatological practice. It affects about 1–3% of the general population and is associated with different comorbidities, especially metabolic syndrome. Fatty-acid-binding proteins (FABPs) are a family of cytosolic proteins which are an important link in lipid metabolism and transport; moreover, they have different tissue specificity and properties. So far, ten FABPs have been discovered and seven have been investigated in psoriasis. In this review, we discuss the nature of all FABPs and their role in psoriasis. FABPs have different organ and tissue expression, and hence various functions, and may be markers of different disorders. Considering the concentration of a few of them tends to be elevated in psoriasis, it confirms the current perception of psoriasis as a multiorgan disorder associated with plenty of comorbidities. Some FABPs may be also further investigated as biomarkers of psoriasis organ complications. FABP-1 and FABP-5 may become potential markers of metabolic complications and inflammation in psoriasis. FABP-7 could perhaps be further investigated as an indicator of the neurodegenerative processes in psoriatic patients.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the management of psoriasis: systematic review, critical appraisal, and quality assessment with the AGREE II instrument

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is considered one of the stubborn lifelong dermatologic diseases, making the patients seized in their social cage. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and expert opinions ensure that patients with psoriasis render the most recent and developed care. This systematic review assessed and compared the most recently approved international CPGs with the AGREE II instrument.

METHODS

After we identified our research question, we searched the bibliographic international databases to identify and screen for relevant and eligible guidelines that address the topic of interest. Four independent reviewers (Senior Expert Dermatologist in Psoriasis) have critically appraised the selected guidelines via the AGREE II instrument. We conducted inter-rater analysis and percent agreement among raters and calculation of intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) 'Kappa'.

RESULTS

Out of 33 articles for CPGs, only Four eligible CPGs fulfill the inclusion criteria. Selected CPGs were critically appraised; first from the American College of Rheumatology that is also National Psoriasis Foundation (ACR/NPF-2018), second from the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE-2017) for Psoriasis: Assessment and Management, third from the Saudi practical guidelines on the biologic treatment for Psoriasis (Saudi CPGs, 2015), and lastly from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD/NPF-2019) Management and Treatment of Psoriasis with Awareness and Attention to Comorbidities. The complete assessments (OA) of two CPGs (AAD/NPF and NICE) scored greater than 80%; 'six domains' of AGREE II had greater score that is congruent with results; (1) scope and motive, (2) shareholder involvement, (3) rigor of growth, (4) clarity of speech, (5) validity, and (6) journalistic independence domains. Domain (3) scored (84, 71, and 90%), domain (5) (51%, 47, and 90%), domain (6) (70, 52, and 90%) for (Saudi CPGs, AAD/NPF, and NICE), respectively. Generally, the clinical recommendations were significantly better for NICE CPGs.

CONCLUSIONS

Four evidence-based 'CPGs' introduced a high-quality methodological analysis. NICE indicated the greatest quality followed by Saudi CPGs and AAD/NPF and all four CPGs were suggested for practice.

Ustekinumab reduces serum protein levels associated with cardiovascular risk in psoriasis vulgaris

Psoriasis increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Biomarkers for cardiovascular (CV) risk stratification in psoriasis are lacking, and the effects of psoriasis biologics on CV risk reduction remain unclear. The goal of this study was to identify biomarkers of CV risk in psoriasis blood that are reduced by ustekinumab. We quantified 276 inflammatory and CV-related serum proteins with Olink's multiplex assay in 10 psoriasis patients (vs. 18 healthy controls) and after 12 weeks of ustekinumab treatment. For each protein down-regulated after treatment, the literature was reviewed for studies assessing the protein's association with CVD. Data were collected from each study to calculate CV risk thresholds for each protein, which were compared with protein levels in psoriasis patients before and after treatment. Our results showed that 43 out of 276 proteins were down-regulated after treatment, 25 of which were initially up-regulated at baseline (vs. controls, all p-values ≤0.1). 8 down-regulated proteins were initially elevated above thresholds associated with enhanced CV risk in the literature (myeloperoxidase, C-X-C motif chemokine 10, E-selectin, interleukin-6, cystatin B, von Willebrand factor, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 and N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide). Treatment lowered these proteins to below their risk thresholds, except for IL-6, which was lowered but remained at its risk threshold despite successful psoriasis skin treatment. In summary, 12 weeks of ustekinumab treatment reduced serum proteins present at levels associated with CV risk in psoriasis patients. Further studies can evaluate these proteins as potential ustekinumab-modulated biomarkers of CV risk in psoriasis and the impact of ustekinumab on CV risk reduction.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Psoriasis Treatments in Patients with Concomitant Metabolic Syndrome: A Narrative Review

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is well recognized as a frequent comorbidity of psoriasis with important implications for efficacy and safety of psoriasis treatment. The presence of concomitant MetS is associated with decreased efficacy response to biologic treatment for psoriasis in observational studies. In post hoc analyses of clinical trial data, the anti–IL-23p19 antibody tildrakizumab appears to maintain efficacy in patients compared to those without MetS; no published subgroup analyses by MetS status are yet available for other biologics. However, there is some evidence that obese patients have decreased psoriasis treatment efficacy with biologics with certain mechanisms of action relative to overweight patients. This confounds interpretation of the effect of MetS due to the association between MetS and body weight. Because of the association between MetS and cardiovascular risk, treatment of psoriasis in patients with concomitant MetS requires special consideration for cardiovascular safety and attention to potential for exacerbation of MetS and related conditions, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Additional studies are needed to clarify the risks for treatment failure and cardiovascular safety concerns in patients with psoriasis and concomitant MetS.

Alcohol and Psoriasis for the Dermatologist: Know, Screen, Intervene

Psoriasis patients are at increased risk of harmful alcohol use and alcohol dependency with many deleterious effects. Increasing alcohol use is associated with worsening psoriasis severity, is a risk factor for poor response to systemic treatments and may impact on comorbidities such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, cancer and liver disease. Harmful alcohol use and alcohol dependency can be defined by the updated ICD-11 coding system and screening can be completed using many tools including the Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-Opener (CAGE), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST) questionnaires. Dermatologists may be able to complete brief interventions encouraging alcohol reduction in psoriasis patients. Psoriasis patients may respond to messages of gain with reduced psoriasis severity and loss with reduced cardiovascular risk. It is important for dermatologists to discuss alcohol with all psoriasis patients, to be aware of the impact of alcohol in psoriasis and to familiarise themselves with screening tools, brief intervention and local services available to patients who require specialist input for harmful alcohol use or alcohol dependency.

Efficacy, Safety, and Pharmacoeconomic Analysis of Adalimumab and Secukinumab for Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: A Single-Center, Real-World Study

Introduction

A growing number of biologics have recently been approved in China for psoriasis treatment, and some of these are eligible for Chinese medical insurance, resulting in a significant increase in the number of patients receiving these biologics. Nevertheless, real-world data on the efficacy and safety of biologics for treating moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in Chinese patients are limited, and relevant pharmacoeconomic studies are lacking. Therefore, we performed a prospective, single-center study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adalimumab (ADA) and secukinumab (SEC) in real-world practice. A cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) was also conducted.

Methods

Participants were enrolled between January 2019 and December 2020 at the West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Baseline and follow-up assessments were conducted, and an appropriate statistical analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 183 patients were included. At week 12, the number of patients achieving a psoriasis area and severity index reduction of 75% (PASI 75) with SEC treatment was higher than that with ADA and methotrexate (MTX) (SEC versus ADA versus MTX, 90.59% versus 58.70% versus 17.14%, respectively). Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 44.83% and 56.36% of patients in the SEC and ADA groups, respectively. The cost-effectiveness ratio in the SEC group was 46,311.83 Chinese yuan(CNY), compared with 17,580.92 CNY in the ADA group.

Conclusion

In real-world practice, SEC and ADA are effective and safe for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis treatment in Chinese patients. On the basis of drug prices during our study period without considering access to health insurance, ADA was more cost-effective in real-world practice.

Plain Language Summary

Adalimumab and secukinumab are two monoclonal antibodies used for the treatment of psoriasis, which target different cytokines in the pathogenesis. A growing number of biologics have recently been approved in China for psoriasis treatment including adalimumab and secukinumab, which are eligible for Chinese medical insurance, resulting in a significant increase in the number of patients receiving these biologics. With the purpose of evaluating its efficacy and safety in the real world, we registered the data of eligible patients in West China Hospital, Sichuan University over the past two years and conducted statistical analysis. In order to provide different therapeutic strategies for patients based on case-specific needs and access to financial resources, we performed pharmacoeconomic analyses to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the two drugs. Our study demonstrated that adalimumab and secukinumab were effective and safe for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in Chinese patients in the real-world practice. Based on drug prices during our study period and without taking into consideration access to health insurance, ADA was more cost-effective in real-world practice.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13555-022-00787-x.

Current evidence on the role of lipid lowering drugs in the treatment of psoriasis

Background

Abnormal lipid distribution is observed in patients with psoriasis, which increases their risk for atherosclerosis. Lipid-lowering drugs have a certain curative effect in the treatment of psoriasis, but there is no relevant evidence-based medical evaluation.

Objective

The purpose of this systematic evaluation was to assess the efficacy, safety, and potential mechanisms of action of lipid-lowering drugs for the treatment of psoriasis.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Clinical Trial, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Wanfang Database were searched for relevant articles from inception to 31 December 2021. The RevMan 5.3 and Cochrane risk-of-bias tool were used for data analysis and risk assessment, respectively. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score is the primary outcome indicator in clinical studies. Based on preclinical studies, we elucidated and mapped the action mechanisms of lipid-lowering drugs in the treatment of psoriasis.

Results

The study included eight randomized controlled studies, four single-arm studies, and four in vitro studies. The results showed that lipid-lowering drugs, particularly statins, administered both orally and topically, can significantly improve psoriatic skin lesions and reduce the PASI scores [standardized mean difference, (SMD): −0.94; 95% CI: [−1.58, −0.31]; p = 0.004]. Oral statins performed best at week eight (SMD: −0.92; 95% CI: [−1.39, −0.44]; p = 0.0001). The mechanism of lipid-lowering drugs in the treatment of psoriasis may be related to the inhibition of keratinocyte proliferation, inhibition of CCL20–CCR6 interaction, and reduction in the levels of inflammatory factors.

Limitations

There are few studies on lipid-lowering drugs and psoriasis, and their small sample sizes may render the evidence unconvincing.

Conclusion

The present findings suggest that lipid-lowering drugs are relieving symptoms in psoriasis. Lipid-lowering drugs, particularly statins, can be used to treat psoriasis with good efficacy and few side effects.

Treatment Patterns for Targeted Therapies, Non-Targeted Therapies, and Drug Holidays in Patients with Psoriasis

Introduction

We aimed to evaluate US treatment patterns and, more specifically, switch patterns among patients with psoriasis (PsO) who initiated treatment with targeted therapy (TT) and subsequently switched to another therapy.

Methods

This retrospective study used IBM^® MarketScan^® Commercial and Medicare Databases (1/1/2006–3/31/2020) to evaluate treatment patterns in biologic- and apremilast-naive patients with PsO. TT included apremilast, adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, ustekinumab, or other biologics (certolizumab pegol, secukinumab, brodalumab, ixekizumab, guselkumab, or tildrakizumab). Adults with ≥ 1 prescription for a TT, ≥ 2 PsO claims separated by ≥ 1 day on or before the index date (date of first TT prescription), and continuous medical and pharmacy enrollment for 1 year before and 2 years after the index date were eligible. Non-targeted therapy (NTT) was defined as non-targeted oral systemic treatment, topical treatment, phototherapy, or no treatment. Kaplan–Meier (KM) analysis was used to estimate time to reinitiation of TT (24-month continuous enrollment post-index was not required).

Results

A total of 11,526 patients with PsO were included; mean [standard deviation (SD)] age and Charlson Comorbidity Index score were 48.3 (12.8) years and 0.9 (1.43), respectively. During the follow-up, 69.2% of the patients were treated with NTT. Median time to first NTT, for those who received NTT, was 205 days (longest: adalimumab, 252 days). Among patients who switched to NTT after initiating treatment with TT, 52.6% reinitiated treatment with TT (least common: apremilast, 45.6%), with a median time to reinitiation of 106 days (longest: other biologics, 136 days). For all patients on NTT, the probability of reinitiating any TT was 60.7% at 24 months.

Conclusions

PsO treatment is often cyclical in nature. Patients frequently experience drug holidays or transition back to TT after using NTT. The consideration of real-world treatment patterns in future economic models may provide new insights into the clinical effectiveness and value of PsO treatments.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects 3.0% of adults or an estimated 7.56 million Americans. The most common type of psoriasis is called plaque psoriasis because of its appearance with red patches and silvery scales on the skin. A major concern of medical providers is that not all patients continue their treatment as prescribed. Many patients discontinue, switch, and often restart treatment. To develop effective psoriasis treatment plans for shared decision-making among medical providers and patients, it is important to look at how treatments are used in the real world. This can be done by conducting studies using insurance claims data from healthcare insurance providers. In this study, we evaluated treatment patterns and, more specifically, patterns in changes of treatment in US patients who began their psoriasis treatment with a targeted therapy (biologics or apremilast) and then changed to another therapy. We found that patients often took drug holidays (days with no treatment) and returned back to using a targeted therapy after using a non-targeted therapy (e.g., other oral therapy, topical treatment, phototherapy, or no treatment). Findings from this real-world study may support future studies on the clinical effectiveness and value of current and future treatments for psoriasis—especially within these targeted to non-targeted transitions.

Immunological risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with psoriatic arthritis: New predictive nomograms and natural killer cells

Objective

To search for the immunological risk factors of Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) combined with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), development and assessment of predictive nomograms for NAFLD risk in patients with PsA, and to further explore the correlation between risk factors and dyslipidemia.

Methds

A total of 127 patients with PsA (46 with NAFLD and 81 without NAFLD) were included in this retrospective study. The clinical and serological parameters of the patients were collected. The percentage and the absolute number of lymphocytes and CD4+T cells were determined by Flow cytometry. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to screen independent risk factors of PsA complicated with NAFLD in the model population, and a nomogram prediction model was developed and assessed.

Results

(1) Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis of the modeling population showed that the percentage of peripheral blood T helper 1 cells (Th1%) (OR=1.12, P=0.001), body mass index (BMI) (OR=1.22, P=0.005) and triglycerides (TG) (OR=4.78, P=0.003) were independent risk factors for NAFLD in patients with PsA, which were incorporated and established a nomogram prediction model. The model has good discrimination and calibration, and also has certain clinical application value. (2) The number of peripheral blood NK cells in PsA patients was significantly positively correlated with serum triglyceride (TG) (r=0.489, P<0.001), cholesterol (CHOL) (r=0.314, P=0.003) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (r=0.362, P=0.001) levels.

Conclusions

Our study shows that the novel NAFLD nomogram could assess the risk of NAFLD in PsA patients with good efficiency. In addition, peripheral blood NK cell levels may be associated with dyslipidemia in patients with PsA.

Toward Personalized Interventions for Psoriasis Vulgaris: Molecular Subtyping of Patients by Using a Metabolomics Approach

Aim: Psoriasis vulgaris (PV) is a complicated autoimmune disease characterized by erythema of the skin and a lack of available cures. PV is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, which are both mediated by the interaction between systemic inflammation and aberrant metabolism. However, whether there are differences in the lipid metabolism between different levels of severity of PV remains elusive. Hence, we explored the molecular evidence for the subtyping of PV according to alterations in lipid metabolism using serum metabolomics, with the idea that such subtyping may contribute to the development of personalized treatment.

Methods: Patients with PV were recruited at a dermatology clinic and classified based on the presence of metabolic comorbidities and their Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) from January 2019 to November 2019. Age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited from the preventive health department of the same institution for comparison. We performed targeted metabolomic analyses of serum samples and determined the correlation between metabolite composition and PASI scores.

Results: A total of 123 participants, 88 patients with PV and 35 healthy subjects, were enrolled in this study. The patients with PV were assigned to a “PVM group” (PV with metabolic comorbidities) or a “PV group” (PV without metabolic comorbidities) and further subdivided into a “mild PV” (MP, PASI <10) and a “severe PV” (SP, PASI ≥10) groups. Compared with the matched healthy controls, levels of 27 metabolites in the MP subgroup and 28 metabolites in the SP subgroup were found to be altered. Among these, SM (d16:0/17:1) and SM (d19:1/20:0) were positively correlated with the PASI in the MP subgroup, while Cer (d18:1/18:0), PC (18:0/22:4), and PC (20:0/22:4) were positively correlated with the PASI in the SP subgroup. In the PVM group, levels of 17 metabolites were increased, especially ceramides and phosphatidylcholine, compared with matched patients from the PV group. In addition, the correlation analysis indicated that Cer (d18:1/18:0) and SM (d16:1/16:1) were not only correlated with PASI but also has strongly positive correlations with biochemical indicators.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that patients with PV at different severity levels have distinct metabolic profiles, and that metabolic disorders complicate the disease development. These findings will help us understand the pathological progression and establish strategies for the precision treatment of PV.

Saliva may predict quality of life in psoriasis as measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and chemometrics

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease, with several comorbidities, such as psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic syndrome, and impaired quality of life and work activity. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) is the most commonly used quality of life index in psoriatic patients, as it is a marker of severe disease. This study evaluated the association between salivary Fourier transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) metabolic fingerprints and severity of psoriasis as measured by DLQI, using chemometric algorithms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Saliva was collected from 56 (27 with DLQI ≤ 10 [GI]; 29 with DLQI > 10 [GII]) psoriatic patients diagnosed and assessed by DLQI for disease severity by a dermatologist and analyzed by the transflectance technique in mid-infrared. Hierarchic cluster analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) algorithms were used to associate salivary FTIR spectra with the respective DLQI scores.

RESULTS

Second derivative (2D) discriminated GI and GII at 2522 cm^-1 (p < 0.0001). HCA and PCA partially discriminated GI from GII at 4000-450 cm^-1 (p = 0.042 and 0.00821, respectively). Data processing with 1^st derivative (1D), 3 latent variables (LV) and 1 orthogonal signal correction (OSC) component at 2550-1801 cm^-1 generated an FTIR/OPLS-DA model with 100% accuracy to classify the severity of psoriasis, and an FTIR/OPLS model to quantify DLQI (range 0-28) with high performance: root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) < 0.01 and coefficient of determination (R²) > 0.9999.

CONCLUSIONS

Salivary FTIR combined with chemometric algorithms such as OPLS-DA and OPLS can be used as a clinical tool to classify or predict the severity of psoriasis according to DLQI in patients with confirmed psoriasis.

Efficacy and Safety of Tripterygium Wilfordii Glycoside Tablets Combined with Acitretin Capsules in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective

To probe into the clinical efficacy of tripterygium wilfordii glycoside (TWGs) tablets combined with acitretin capsules in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (MSPP).

Methods

Thirty-six patients with MSPP were collected and divided into three groups, namely, group A (n = 12, TWG tablets + acitretin capsules), group B (n = 12, compound glycyrrhizin capsules + acitretin capsules), and group C (n = 12, acitretin capsules). The general data of the patients was recorded. In addition, a comparison was made before treatment, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after treatment in terms of the clinical efficacy, liver function indicators (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and creatinine), psoriasis area, and severity index (PASI) scores. The incidence of adverse reactions after treatment and the recurrence rate during two months of follow-up was statistically analyzed.

Results

The therapeutic effect of group A was superior to the other two groups, with obviously more satisfactory results of serum parameters, clinical efficacy and PASI score, and incidence of adverse reactions.

Conclusions

TWGs combined with acitretin had better therapeutic effects and higher safety in the treatment of MSPP.

Cardiometabolic multimorbidity is common among patients with psoriasis and is associated with poorer outcomes compared to those without comorbidity

BACKGROUND

Associations between cardiometabolic multimorbidity and response to therapy in psoriasis are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

Determine the associations of multimorbidity with response to biologic treatment in psoriasis patients.

METHODS

CorEvitas Psoriasis Registry participants who initiated biologic therapy and had 6-months follow-up were stratified by 0, 1, 2+ comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia). Adjusted odds ratios (95% CIs) were calculated overall and separately by biologic class (TNFi, IL-17i, IL-12/23i + IL-23i), to assess the likelihood of achieving response for the 1 and 2+ groups vs. 0.

RESULTS

Of 2,923 patients, 49.5%, 24.7% and 25.8% reported 0, 1 and 2+ comorbidities, respectively. Overall, likelihood of PASI75 was 18% (OR =0.82; 95%CI: 0.67, 1.00) and 23% (OR =0.77; 95%CI: 0.63, 0.96) lower in those with 1 and 2+ comorbidities, respectively, vs. 0. In those who initiated IL-17i, odds of PASI75 and PAS90 were 34% (OR =0.66; 95%CI: 0.48-0.91) and 35% (OR =0.65; 95%CI: 0.47-0.91) lower in the 2+ multimorbidity cohort. No significant associations were found among users of TNFi or IL-12/23i + IL-23i groups in the multimorbidity group.

LIMITATIONS

Patients may not be representative of all psoriasis patients.

CONCLUSION

Multimorbidity in psoriasis may decrease the likelihood of achieving treatment response to biologic therapy and should be considered when discussing treatment expectations with patients.

Psoriasis and Cardiovascular Diseases: An Immune-Mediated Cross Talk?

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease, characterized by well-demarcated scaly, erythematous, infiltrated plaques. The cutaneous-to-systemic expansion of the inflammation in psoriasis leads to the concept of “psoriatic march” or “inflammatory skin march”. Accordingly, psoriasis is thought to be a systemic inflammatory disease associated with numerous comorbidities. Indeed, it’s currently considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Here, we discuss the current knowledge on TNF-α and IL-23/IL-17 mediated pathways linking the psoriatic plaque to the cardiovascular compartment. We further argue the possible involvement of the endothelial compartment in the psoriatic plaque- cardiovascular system crosstalk.

Psoriasis and coronary heart disease-not as severe as predicted

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a systemic disorder involved in several disease processes, including cancer, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Previous studies showed that psoriasis is most likely an independent risk factor for CVD, yet the extent of its impact on CVD and the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unclear. We investigated the correlation of psoriasis to the severity of CAD in age and gender-matched patients with CAD with and without psoriasis.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, case-control study of 59 patients with psoriasis who underwent coronary angiography were matched using a computer software to 59 patients without psoriasis according to age, gender, smoking status, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and diabetes. CAD severity was defined according to number of affected vessels (single vs. multiple) and location of lesions (proximal vs. distal).

RESULTS

CAD severity was significantly higher in the control group compared to the psoriasis group (P = 0.038). Among patients with psoriasis, 20.3% were disease free or with low severity (42.4%), while only 37.3% had severe CAD. Among patients without psoriasis, the majority had severe CAD (57.6%), followed by low severity (30.5%) or disease free (11.9%). We did not find an association of prior treatment with anti-inflammatory medications and the severity of CAD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that although psoriasis may be a risk factor for CAD, psoriatic patients have a less severe CAD compared to the general population. The use of anti-inflammatory medications does not explain this finding.

Review article: paradoxical psoriasis as a consequence of tumour necrosis factor antagonists in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists are an efficacious therapy used in the management of several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and psoriasis. However, since being prescribed more widely, reports of new-onset psoriatic lesions have began to emerge in the literature and are known as paradoxical psoriasis.

AIM

To review the evidence available in both the dermatology and gastroenterology literature pertaining to the entity known as paradoxical psoriasis as it relates to IBD and to create a comprehensive guide to assist clinicians who treat this challenging patient population.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in PubMed to identify manuscripts that presented, discussed or summarised data pertaining to paradoxical psoriasis presenting in individuals with IBD.

RESULTS

Paradoxical psoriasis is now thought to be a contradictory effect of TNF antagonist therapy leading to psoriatic lesions often within the first year of treatment. The underlying pathogenesis, although not completely understood, is likely related to an imbalance of inflammatory cytokines. The histological appearance, while similar to classical psoriasis, does have unique features. The clinical presentation can vary among patients but often presents during maintenance therapy for inflammatory bowel disease. Treatment options should be determined based upon the severity of the skin lesion, activity of the underlying inflammatory bowel disease and the patient's unique clinical history.

CONCLUSIONS

The approach to paradoxical psoriasis in IBD should be discussed with a multidisciplinary team to optimise and preserve intestinal disease remission and to ensure the resolution of debilitating skin lesions.

Patient perceptions of psoriatic disease in Japan: Results from the Japanese subgroup of the Understanding Psoriatic Disease Leveraging Insights for Treatment (UPLIFT) survey

The population‐based Understanding Psoriatic Disease Leveraging Insights for Treatment (UPLIFT) survey was designed to better understand patient and dermatologist perceptions of the disease burden of psoriasis (PsO) and their treatment expectations. UPLIFT was a cross‐sectional, quantitative, online survey conducted in Europe, North America, and Japan between 2 March and 3 June 2020. In Japan, 391 patients reporting a diagnosis of PsO and/or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) were surveyed (75% had PsO alone, 23% had PsO and PsA, and 2% had PsA alone). Self‐reported body surface area (BSA) data were available for 309 Japanese patients, with the majority (80%) reporting PsO‐involved BSA ≤3 palms. Current symptoms of PsO were rated as moderate or severe by 43% of Japanese patients with BSA ≤3 palms, and severe by 44% of patients with BSA 4–10 palms. PsO frequently occurred in ≥1 special areas, most commonly the scalp in 76% of Japanese patients with BSA ≤3 palms, and ≥90% of those with BSA ≥4 palms. Furthermore, musculoskeletal symptoms in 42% of patients with PsO alone were suggestive of PsA. Whereas Japanese patients with BSA ≤3 palms mainly reported receiving topical therapy alone (34%) or no treatment (32%), 64% patients with BSA 4–10 palms reported receiving systemic therapy. Overall, 21% of Japanese patients with self‐perceived mild symptoms of PsO and 48% of patients with special area involvement experienced at least a moderate impact of disease on quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index score >5). Moreover, patients and dermatologists differed in their perceptions of determinants of PsO severity and treatment, and office visit discussions. In general, these findings from the Japanese subgroup of the UPLIFT survey demonstrated that a high proportion of patients perceived their symptoms to be moderate or severe irrespective of the level of skin involvement, suggesting a persistent unmet treatment need.

Comorbid Psoriasis and Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Implications and Optimal Management

Purpose

To review the literature on guidance on the follow-up of psoriasis and its comorbidities and to provide practical recommendations.

Patients and Methods

A PubMed search was conducted using MeSH terms and free text keywords related to "psoriasis", "obesity", "hypertension", "diabetes", "dyslipidemia", "metabolic syndrome" and "Psoriatic arthritis". The search was conducted between September 2021 and January 2022. References of selected articles were scanned to identify additional articles.

Results

Recommendations on the follow-up of hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease in psoriasis patients were extracted from the included articles. These data are presented in summary tables for both adults and children. A practical and feasible approach for each comorbidity is discussed.

Conclusion

Awareness among dermatologists for relevant psoriasis-associated comorbidities is crucial. The dermatologist should function as gatekeeper and screen for comorbidities, in order to make timely referrals when indicated.

In vivo evaluation of mandibular trabecular and cortical bone quality in psoriasis vulgaris

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of psoriasis vulgaris on mandibular structure by calculating fractal dimension (FD) and radiomorphometric indices.

STUDY DESIGN

Panoramic radiographs of 58 patients with psoriasis and 58 healthy participants were assessed. FD was used to analyze trabecular bone architecture in the condyle, angle, and 2 sites in the alveolar bone. Five radiomorphometric indices based on cortical thickness and the mandibular cortical index (MCI) for structure were used to assess cortical bone porosity. Comparisons were made between sites in trabecular and cortical bone. Quantitative and categorical data were statistically analyzed with the significance level at P < .05.

RESULTS

FD was significantly lower in the patients with psoriasis than in the controls in the alveolar bone sites (P ≤ .035). Differences between measurement sites were insignificant in psoriasis (P ≥ .617), but the FD values of some measurement sides in the control group differed significantly (P ≤ .004). All quantitative radiomorphometric indices were significantly lower in patients with psoriasis (P ≤ .034) with significant differences between some sites in both groups. No significant difference was found in MCI frequency distribution between the groups (P = .782).

CONCLUSIONS

Trabecular architecture and cortical thickness were negatively affected in patients with psoriasis, but no differences in cortical porosity were detected between groups.

Killing all the birds with one drug - is oral roflumilast a novel treatment option for psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a common, chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with a large number of comorbidities. Though management of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis has greatly improved in recent years, patients with refractory disease or contraindications to available treatments still constitute therapeutic challenges. Oral roflumilast, a selective phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor, is approved for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Experimental studies have shown increased PDE-4 activity in psoriatic skin, and inhibition results in down-regulation of key inflammatory cytokines. Based on mode-of-action and available literature, we hypothesize that oral roflumilast is a future treatment for plaque psoriasis. Contrary to most existing psoriasis therapies, roflumilast has a favorable safety profile and holds the potential to improve not only skin manifestations but also commonly seen comorbidities. If efficacy and safety are confirmed in randomized settings, roflumilast can fill in a large unmet need and may represent a novel, relatively inexpensive, and convenient therapy positioned before biologics.

Thioredoxin-interacting protein regulates keratinocyte differentiation: Implication of its role in psoriasis

Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), also known as Vitamin-D upregulated protein-1 (VDUP-1), interacts with thioredoxin to regulate redox responses and participates in diverse disorders including metabolic, cardiovascular, inflammatory and malignant diseases. Psoriasis is characterized by chronic skin inflammation and an aberrant pattern of keratinocyte differentiation. Clinically, psoriasis is associated with various cardiometabolic comorbidities but studies on TXNIP's biological role in skin disorders are limited. In this study, we investigated TXNIP expression in psoriasis and its regulation in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs), and then explored how TXNIP regulated skin keratinocyte differentiation to determine its role in psoriasis pathogenesis. Our immunohistochemical study demonstrated extensive TXNIP expression in the upper and lower epidermis of psoriasis compared to predominant TXNIP expression in the basal layer of normal skin. 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃  suppressed but TGF-α and EGF enhanced TXNIP expression in NHEKs. An inducer of keratinocyte differentiation, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), also diminished TXNIP expression, which was reversed by PKC-δ knockdown. TXNIP knockdown reduced PMA-induced involucrin and transglutaminse-1 expression, and increased p63 expression in NHEKs but did not significantly affect cell proliferation. H₂ O₂ -induced ROS production and EGFR phosphorylation decreased in NHEKs with TXNIP knockdown. Furthermore, PMA-induced PKC-δ phosphorylation, TGF-α, and EGF-triggered EGFR phosphorylation were attenuated by TXNIP knockdown. Our results unraveled the regulation and function of TXNIP expression in skin keratinocytes and the cross-regulation between TXNIP and EGFR signaling. These findings imply a role of TXNIP in psoriasis and provide insight into the possible impact of TXNIP regulators on the skin or psoriasis.

Long-term Safety of Secukinumab Over Five Years in Patients with Moderate-to-severe Plaque Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis: Update on Integrated Pooled Clinical Trial and Post-marketing Surveillance Data

Secukinumab, a selective interleukin (IL)-17A inhibitor, is approved for use in adult and paediatric psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. The aim of this study was to report the long-term safety of secukinumab in pooled data from 28 clinical trials and a post-marketing safety surveillance in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis patients. Analyses included 12,637 secukinumab-treated patients, corresponding to 15,063, 5,985 and 3,527 patient-years of exposure in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis patients, respectively. Incidences of serious adverse events were low, with no identifiable patterns across indications. Active tuberculosis or latent tuberculosis infections were rare. The incidence of opportunistic infections was < 0.2/100 patient-years, the incidence of malignancy was ≤ 1/100 patient-years, and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events was < 0.7/100 patient-years, with no apparent increases over time. Secukinumab demonstrated a favourable safety profile for up to 5 years of treatment across the 3 indications, and no new safety signals were identified.

Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 7 (FABP-7), Glutamic Acid and Neurofilament Light Chain (NFL) as Potential Markers of Neurodegenerative Disorders in Psoriatic Patients-A Pilot Study

Psoriasis and neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are important medical, social and economic issues. The possible relationship of psoriasis and NDs has not been established yet. This study involved 60 patients with plaque-type psoriasis. Serum concentrations of fatty acid-binding protein 7 (FABP-7), glutamic acid (GA) and neurofilament light chain (NFL), which have been hardly studied in psoriasis before, were measured by ELISA before and after 12 weeks of treatment with acitretin or methotrexate. The concentration of FABP-7 and NFL in patients before the treatment was significantly higher than in the controls (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively). After the treatment their concentration decreased, although FABP-7 did so insignificantly. The concentration of GA did not differ significantly between patients and controls and before and after the treatment but we found its negative correlation with CRP (p < 0.05). The duration of psoriasis does not seem to directly affect the risk of neurodegeneration and the severity only in patients with worse skin condition. Elevated FABP-7 and NFL, which are present in the brain, may be considered as potential indicators of NDs development in psoriatics, although it surely requires further research. GA might correspond with neuroinflammation in psoriasis. Systemic antipsoriatic therapy could be studied in order to improve cognitive impairment through lowering NDs biomarkers in some cases.

TNF-alpha inhibitors and ustekinumab for the treatment of psoriasis: therapeutic utility in the era of IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition for which eleven FDA-approved biologic therapies are approved. Over the past decade, studies have documented the higher efficacy of IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors for the treatment of psoriasis compared to the TNF-alpha inhibitors and ustekinumab, an IL-12/23 inhibitor. Despite this, there remains an important role for the use of TNF-alpha inhibitors and ustekinumab in the treatment of psoriasis. Here, we review how considerations of infection and malignancy risk, patient demographics, treatment resistance, and co-morbidities may make certain TNF-alpha inhibitors or ustekinumab an excellent choice for therapy in particular patient subgroups.

Impact of Psoriatic Disease on Quality of Life: Interim Results of a Global Survey

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Supplementary Information

Sex Differences in the Patterns of Systemic Agent use Among Patients With Psoriasis: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Quebec, Canada

Background: Sex differences exist in psoriasis manifestation and expectations from treatment with systemic agents, including, conventional systemic agents (CSA) and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors or ustekinumab (TNFi/UST). However, sex differences in patterns of systemic agent use, such as CSA discontinuation and switch from CSA to TNFi/UST have not been examined.

Objectives: To assess sex differences in patterns of CSA use and identify factors associated with switch to (or add) a TNFi/UST and those associated with CSA discontinuation.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Quebec health administrative databases. We included patients with psoriasis initiating a CSA in 2002–2015. We excluded patients with a psoriasis diagnosis in the 3 years prior to the first diagnosis date between 2002 and 2015, and those with a systemic agent dispensation in the year prior to that date. We used Cox regression models with the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator method to identify factors associated with Switch/add TNFi/UST, and those associated with CSA discontinuation. Separate analyses were performed for male and female patients.

Results: We included 1,644 patients (55.7% females, mean age 60.3 years), among whom 60.4% discontinued their CSA and 7.4%, switched/added TNFi/UST (3.4% switched and 4.0% added) within a median of 0.78 years of follow-up. Among male and female patients, rates of Switch/add TNFi/UST per 1,000 person-year were 49.1 and 41.0 and rates of CSA discontinuation were 381.2 and 352.8. Clinical obesity in male patients (HR 3.53, 95% CI 1.20–10.35), and adjustment/somatoform/dissociative disorders (HR 3.17, 95% CI 1.28–7.85) and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (HR 2.70, 95% CI 1.56–4.70) in female patients were associated with Switch/add TNFi/UST. Male patients followed by a rheumatologist (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46–0.94) and those with a prior hospitalization (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.57–0.87) were at lower risk of CSA discontinuation, while those initiated on acitretin (vs methotrexate) were at higher risk to discontinue their CSA (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.30–2.01). Female patients with rheumatoid arthritis comorbidity (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51–0.93), those with a dispensed lipid-lowering agent (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.59–0.88) and hypoglycemic agent (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.57–0.98) and those initiated on methotrexate (vs all other CSAs) were less likely to discontinue their CSA. Male and female patients entering the cohort between 2011 and 2015 were at reduced risk of CSA discontinuation compared to those entering the cohort before 2011.

Conclusion: Most male and female patients discontinued their CSA within 1 year of follow-up. Our study highlighted sex differences in patients’ characteristics associated with switch/add a TNFi/UST and CSA discontinuation; treatment switch and discontinuation may be indications of treatment failure in most patients.

Psoriasis and metabolic syndrome: implications for the management and treatment of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder associated with several comorbidities in addition to the characteristic skin lesions. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the most frequent comorbidity in psoriasis and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, a major cause of death among patients with psoriasis. Although the exact causal relationship between these two disorders is not fully established, the underlying pathophysiology linking psoriasis and MetS seems to involve overlapping genetic predispositions and inflammatory pathways. Dysregulation of the IL‐23/Th‐17 immune signalling pathway is central to both pathologies and may be key to promoting susceptibility to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases in individuals with and without psoriasis. Thus, biological treatments for psoriasis that interrupt these signals could both reduce the psoriatic inflammatory burden and also lessen the risk of developing atherosclerosis and cardiometabolic diseases. In support of this hypothesis, improvement of skin lesions was associated with improvement in vascular inflammation in recent imaging studies, demonstrating that the beneficial effect of biological agents goes beyond the skin and could help to prevent cardiovascular disease. This review will summarize current knowledge on underlying inflammatory mechanisms shared between psoriasis and MetS and discuss the most recent clinical evidence for the potential for psoriasis treatment to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Analysis of Specialist and Patient Perspectives on Strategies to Improve Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Among Persons With Psoriatic Disease

IMPORTANCE

Patients with psoriatic disease are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is a leading cause of mortality in this population. However, many of these patients do not have an active relationship with a primary care physician, and there may be a role for specialist-led care in prevention of CVD.

OBJECTIVE

To explore clinician and patient perspectives regarding strategies to improve CVD prevention via specialist-led care.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Using electronically collected surveys, a best-worst scaling experimental survey study was conducted among dermatologists through the National Psoriasis Foundation as well as the American Academy of Dermatology from October 27, 2020, to April 1, 2021, to rank the strategies according to their potential to improve CVD prevention among patients with psoriatic disease. Participants were asked about the feasibility of specialist-led screening through an electronically delivered survey from the National Psoriasis Foundation conducted between February 1 and April 21, 2021. Patients with psoriatic disease were asked about whether they would like the specialist to screen for CVD risk factors. In addition, patients reported their likelihood to engage in CVD risk screening and management behaviors in scenarios in which either the primary care physician or specialist was making the recommendations.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

For the clinician surveys, the primary outcome was the ratio scaled preference score (range, 0-100; higher is more preferred), as well as whether they think calculating a 10-year CVD risk score and prescribing statins seems feasible. For the patient surveys, the primary outcome was the likelihood to check cholesterol level, incorporate diet and exercise, or use statin therapy depending on whether recommended by the specialist or primary care physician, whether they would like their specialist to educate them about CVD risk, and whether they would find it convenient to have their cholesterol level checked by their specialist.

RESULTS

Among 183 dermatologists (102 [55.7%] women; mean [SD] age not collected), clinical decision support (preference score, 22.3; 95% CI, 20.7-24.0), patient education (preference score, 14.1; 95% CI, 12.5-15.7), and clinician education (preference score, 15.8; 95% CI, 14.3-17.3) were ranked as strategies likely to improve CVD prevention in patients with psoriatic disease. In addition, 69.3% (95% CI, 62.2%-76.0%) of dermatologists agreed or strongly agreed that checking lipid levels was feasible. Among 160 patients with psoriasis and 162 patients with psoriatic arthritis (226 [70.2%] women; mean [SD] age, 54 [13.3] years), patients reported they were as likely to engage in cardiovascular risk screening and management behaviors whether recommended by their primary care physician or their specialist. In addition, 60.0% (95% CI, 52.0%-67.7%) of patients with psoriasis and 75.3% (95% CI, 67.9%-81.7%) of those with psoriatic arthritis agreed that it would be convenient for them to have their cholesterol checked by their dermatologist/rheumatologist.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this survey study, dermatologists and patients with psoriatic disease expressed positive perspectives about engaging in a specialist-led model of care to improve CVD prevention. Dermatologists appear to view several strategies as having potential to improve cardiovascular risk prevention.

Long-Term, Durable, Absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and Health-Related Quality of Life Improvements with Risankizumab Treatment: A Post-Hoc Integrated Analysis of Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis

Background

Risankizumab has demonstrated durable, high rates of efficacy in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis as assessed by the achievement of relative Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) improvement and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) 0/1.

Objectives

The aim of this post hoc analysis is to assess the achievement of absolute PASI thresholds and related improvements in health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis treated with (i) risankizumab compared with ustekinumab, and (ii) long‐term (>52 weeks to 172 weeks) risankizumab.

Methods

Data from patients randomised to 150 mg risankizumab or 45 or 90 mg ustekinumab in replicate randomised controlled trials UltIMMa‐1 and UltIMMa‐2 were analysed for the achievement of absolute PASI thresholds PASI ≤ 3, PASI ≤ 1, and PASI = 0, time to achieve these thresholds, and combined PASI and DLQI endpoints. Data from pat ients initially randomised to risankizumab who continued on risankizumab in the open‐label extension study LIMMitless were analysed for the achievement of absolute PASI levels, mean DLQI scores, and DLQI 0/1.

Results

Significantly greater proportions of patients treated with risankizumab compared with ustekinumab achieved PASI ≤ 3, PASI ≤ 1, and PASI = 0, as well as combined endpoints for absolute PASI and DLQI [(PASI ≤ 3 and DLQI ≤ 5) or (PASI ≤ 1 and DLQI 0/1)]. The median time to first achieve PASI ≤ 3, PASI ≤ 1, and PASI = 0 was significantly lower for risankizumab‐treated patients compared with ustekinumab‐treated patients. Among patients treated with long‐term risankizumab, more than 90% achieved PASI ≤ 3 though week 172 and more than 80% achieved DLQI 0/1. Low absolute PASI scores corresponded with low mean absolute DLQI scores through week 172 of continuous risankizumab treatment.

Conclusions

Risankizumab treatment demonstrated high rates of rapid and durable efficacy as measured by absolute PASI thresholds and improvements in patient HRQoL.

Prevalence and consequences of psoriasis in recent axial spondyloarthritis: an analysis of the DESIR cohort over 6 years

OBJECTIVES

The consequences of psoriasis associated to axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are unclear. The objectives were to determine the prevalence and the consequences of psoriasis in recent axSpA over 6 years of follow-up.

METHODS

The multicentric prospective cohort DESIR (NCT01648907) of adult patients with recent inflammatory back pain suggestive of axSpA was analysed over 6 years. Psoriasis was recorded at each visit and cumulative prevalence and incidence were calculated. Patients with vs without psoriasis at any time point were compared. Outcomes included disease activity (Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score-C reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP), joint and enthesitis count, CRP), patient-reported outcomes for function (Health Assessment Questionnaire for axSpA, HAQ-AS) and quality of life, and treatment use over 6 years. Outcomes were compared through univariable and multivariable analyses, as well as linear mixed effect models.

RESULTS

In 589 patients, mean age 40.5±8.7 years, 45.8% men and baseline mean symptom duration 1.5±0.9 years, the cumulative prevalence of psoriasis increased from 16.8% (99/589) at baseline to 26.8% (158/589) at 6 years, leading to an incidence of 2.1/100 patient-years. Over 6 years of follow-up, patients with psoriasis developed more synovitis (p=0.008), and received more methotrexate (cumulative use, 25.5% vs 11.8%, p<0.001) and biological disease-modifying drugs (55.7% vs 38.5%, p<0.001). There were no significant consequences of psoriasis on other outcomes, including disease activity (ASDAS-CRP), functional capacity (HAQ-AS) and quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Psoriasis is frequent in early axSpA. AxSpA patients with psoriasis had more swollen joints over time and received more biologics; they did not have worse outcomes related to axSpA in terms of activity and severity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01648907.

Comorbid obesity and history of diabetes are independently associated with poorer treatment response to biologics at 6 months: A prospective analysis in Corrona Psoriasis Registry

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is associated with comorbid systemic metabolic disease.

OBJECTIVE

To assess possible associations of comorbid obesity, history of diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia with response to biologic treatment at 6 months among patients in CorEvitas' Psoriasis Registry.

METHODS

Participants included 2924 patients initiating biologic therapy (tumour necrosis factor inhibitors [TNFi], interleukin [IL]-17i, IL-12/23i, or IL-23i) with baseline and 6-month follow-up visits available. Logistic regressions resulted in adjusted odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for achievement of response in select outcomes for those with obesity and history of diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia relative to those without each.

RESULTS

Overall, obesity reduced by 25% to 30% odds of achieving PASI75 (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.64-0.88) and PASI90 (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.59-0.81). History of diabetes reduced odds of achieving PASI75 by 31% (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.56-0.85) and PASI90 by 21% (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.63-0.98). Obesity was associated with lower response to TNFi and IL-17i classes. Independent of obesity, diabetes was associated with poorer outcomes when on IL-17i therapy and hypertension, to a lesser extent, when on the TNFi class. No significant associations were found in the hyperlipidemia group.

LIMITATIONS

The study assessed only short-term effectiveness and small sample sizes limited the power to detect differences.

CONCLUSION

Assessment of comorbid disease burden is important for improved likelihoods of achieving treatment response with biologics.

Healthcare resource utilization and costs among patients with psoriasis treated with ixekizumab or adalimumab over 2 years of follow-up in real-world settings

AIMS

To compare long-term healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs among patients who initiated ixekizumab (IXE) or adalimumab (ADA) for treatment of psoriasis in the United States.

METHODS

Adult patients with psoriasis who had ≥1 claim for IXE or ADA were identified from IBM MarketScan claims databases prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (1 March 2016-31 October 2019). The index date was the date of first claim for the index drug of interest. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was employed to balance treatment cohorts. All-cause and psoriasis-related HCRU and costs were examined for 24 months of follow-up. Costs were reported as per patient per month. Costs of psoriasis-related biologics were adjusted using published Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) discount factors. Index drug costs were adjusted for adherence and ICER discount rates.

RESULTS

The analyses included 407 IXE and 2,702 ADA users. IXE users had significantly higher inpatient admission rate (all-cause HCRU: 14.9% vs. 11.0%; p =0.012) and greater mean length of stay per admission (days, 6.6 vs. 4.1; p =0.004) than ADA users. ICER-adjusted costs were significantly higher in IXE than ADA users (all-cause costs: $4,132 vs. $3,610; p <0.001; psoriasis-related costs $3,077 vs. $2,700; p <0.001). After adjusting for ICER and adherence, IXE and ADA drug costs were comparable ($3,636 vs. $3,677; p =0.714).

LIMITATIONS

Study relied on administrative claims data, subjected to data coding limitations and data entry errors. Rebates, patient assistance programs, and commission to wholesalers are not always captured in claims. Adjustment made by ICER discount factors may lead to double-discounting if the discounts have been applied in claim payments.

CONCLUSIONS

All-cause HCRU was higher in IXE than ADA users. Healthcare costs were also higher in IXE than ADA users after ICER adjustment, over 24 months. Cost differences were largely driven by higher treatment adherence associated with IXE. Index drug costs were comparable after ICER and adherence adjustments.

Metabolic comorbidities of psoriasis (Review)

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory and immune-mediated condition, which is no longer considered as being limited to the skin, but may affect the entire body. Epidemiological studies have shown that certain disorders, including obesity, diabetes, liver abnormalities, elevated lipid levels in the blood and metabolic syndrome, may occur more frequently in patients with psoriasis compared with the general population. As psoriasis is a chronic disease, the frequently associated comorbidities must be identified early to ensure timely treatment and, possibly, their prevention. Comorbidities often manifest clinically 1-2 years after the onset of psoriasis and are commonly seen in patients with severe forms of the disease. The association between psoriasis and its comorbidities is not coincidental, but rather based on common pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors that underlie the increased frequency of comorbidities in patients with psoriasis. The aim of the present review was to emphasize the important role of dermatologists in the early recognition of comorbidities in patients with psoriasis, with a focus on metabolic comorbidities, precisely because the dermatologists are usually the first medical contact due to the predominance of skin lesions. Therefore, these specialists have the responsibility to inform patients on the association between psoriasis and possible multiple comorbidities, devise prevention and treatment plans, or even redirect patients to other specialists.

Practical and Relevant Guidelines for the Management of Psoriasis: An Inference-Based Methodology

Introduction

Psoriasis (Pso) is a common, immune-mediated, chronic-relapsing, inflammatory skin disease. While a great deal is known about Pso and its treatment, there remain several treatment scenarios unaddressed by clinical studies. To be effective, treatment for Pso must alter the activity of one or more immunological pathways important in the pathogenesis of the disease. While the benefit of blocking these pathways may be apparent, there remain uncertainties regarding safety, such as infections, malignancies, and the potential for off-target effects. Existing guidelines and treatment recommendations rely primarily on clinical trial or observational data, none of which adequately address specific clinical challenges. This document describes a methodological framework for generating practical and clinically relevant guidance for situations where direct evidence is rare or absent. Guidelines implementing this framework are currently ongoing.

Methods

We develop a knowledge synthesis approach to guideline development, utilizing clinical trial data where available, and a formalized inferential decision-making process that considers indirect data coupled with structured expert opinion and analysis. This approach is best suited for situations where direct, high-level evidence is lacking. Support for each resultant recommendation is expressed as a quantified assessment of confidence.

Results

The topics to be addressed by this set of guidelines are ranked by clinicians and patients as areas of concern, with an emphasis on topics where high-level evidence may have limited availability.

Conclusion

Through this novel approach, we will derive practical, informative recommendations using the best evidence available in combination with structured expert opinion to guide best practices in complex, real-world settings.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Patients with Psoriasis: A Review of the Hepatic Effects of Systemic Therapies

There is increasing interest in the association between psoriasis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is a prevalent liver disease characterized by excessive fat storage and inflammation that can progress to fibrosis and cancer. Patients with psoriasis have a two-fold higher risk to develop NAFLD and a higher risk to progress to more severe liver disease. Psoriasis and NAFLD share common risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and the presence of metabolic syndrome and its component disorders. In addition, both psoriasis and NAFLD hinge upon a systemic low-grade inflammation that can lead to a vicious cycle of progressive liver damage in NAFLD as well as worsening of the underlying psoriasis. Other important shared pathophysiological pathways include peripheral insulin resistance and oxidative stress. NAFLD should receive clinical awareness as important comorbidity in psoriasis. In this review, we assess the recent literature on the epidemiological and pathophysiological relationship of psoriasis and NAFLD, discuss the clinical implications of NAFLD in psoriasis patients, and summarize the hepatotoxic and hepatoprotective potential of systemic psoriasis therapies.

Assessment of Life Quality, Stress and Physical Activity Among Patients with Psoriasis

Introduction

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory skin disease affecting 2–4% of the general population, which nowadays is even perceived as a systemic illness. The nature of this dermatosis may negatively influence patients’ general condition, life expectancy, and quality of life, which highlights the severity of the problem and the need to perform further investigation. We aimed to assess quality of life, stress severity, and physical activity of patients with psoriasis in relation to demographic and clinical data and comparison to the control group without dermatoses.

Methods

A set of surveys was conducted in 56 patients with psoriasis hospitalized at the Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Bialystok. Questionnaires used involved the Dermatology Life Quality Index, WHO Quality of Life questionnaire, International Questionnaire of Physical Activity, and a self-invented stress survey. Obtained data were compared to a sex- and age-matched control group without dermatoses. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism.

Results

Patients with psoriasis were found to be significantly less satisfied with their health and had lower scores in WHO social, environmental, and psychological domains, comparing to controls. Patients reported higher stress severity and lower satisfaction with sex life and physical appearance than controls. Patients with psoriasis also tended to perform less intensive physical activity than controls.

Conclusions

This study highlights the perception of psoriasis as not only affecting skin but also having a multifactorial impact on psychological and internal condition. Described lifestyle abnormalities can be easily evaluated with validated questionnaires, which could be introduced to patients in order to raise their awareness of comorbidities and mobilize them to modify incorrect lifestyle habits. Screening for other disorders and introduction of a holistic approach to every patient could be beneficial because the improvement of patients’ life quality is one of the most important issues.

Association of Psoriasis With Incident Venous Thromboembolism and Peripheral Vascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

Psoriasis, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) share similar mechanisms involving chronic inflammation. However, the associations between psoriasis and VTE or PVD are unclear.

Objective

To determine the association of psoriasis with incident VTE and PVD.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were systematically searched for relevant publications from their respective inception through May 21, 2021. No restrictions on language or geographic locations were imposed.

Study Selection

Two authors independently selected cohort studies that investigated the risk for incident VTE or PVD in patients with psoriasis. Any discrepancy was resolved through discussion with 2 senior authors until reaching consensus. Only 13 initially identified studies met the selection criteria for qualitative review, and only 9 of these for quantitative analysis.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

The Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guideline was followed. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Disagreements were resolved by discussion with 2 other authors. A random-effects model meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with the corresponding confidence intervals for incident VTE and PVD. Subgroup analyses based on arthritis status, psoriasis severity, sex, and geographic location were also performed.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Hazard ratios for incident VTE and PVD associated with psoriasis.

Results

A total of 13 cohort studies with 12 435 982 participants were included. The meta-analysis demonstrated a significantly increased risk for incident VTE (pooled HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.08-1.48) and PVD (pooled HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.16-1.40) among patients with psoriasis. Subgroup analyses illustrated increased risk for incident VTE among participants with psoriatic arthritis (pooled HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.01-1.53), women (pooled HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.36-2.61), and those in Asia (pooled HR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.42-2.88) and Europe (pooled HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.06-1.53).

Conclusions and Relevance

This systematic review and meta-analysis found an increased risk for incident VTE and PVD among patients with psoriatic disease. Typical presentations of VTE or PVD should not be overlooked in patients with psoriasis. Risk factors, such as obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, and varicose veins, should be identified and treated in patients with psoriasis, and medications like hormone-related therapies should be prescribed with caution.

Venous thrombotic events in psoriasis patients: a systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with numerous comorbidities. Psoriasis has been linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and atherosclerotic arterial disease. Inflammatory conditions are known to increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality. However, the relationship between psoriasis and VTE has received little attention and existing studies have shown conflicting results.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aims to perform a meta-analysis on VTE in psoriasis patients.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic electronic search of the incidence of VTE (pulmonary embolism [PE], deep venous thrombosis [DVT] and/or retinal vein occlusion [RVO]) in psoriasis patients on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane (specifics: see Appendix 1 in Supporting information). Only English literature and full manuscripts were included; abstracts were excluded. Pooled risk ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated using Review Manager.

RESULTS

Seven articles were included. Each study separately indicated a correlation between psoriasis and VTE after adjustment for several clinical parameters. The confounders included in the adjustment differed between studies, but all included adjustment for age, gender and comorbidities. A meta-analysis of the unadjusted data of the five studies that reported raw data on number of VTE events and patient follow-up (person-years) showed a pooled risk ratio for VTE and psoriasis of 1.29 (95% CI: 0.92-1.81). The statistical heterogeneity was high with I² of 97%.

CONCLUSIONS

Published data adjusted for key confounders demonstrate in general a significantly increased prevalence of VTE in psoriasis patients. Both psoriasis severity and number of confounders assessed seem to have an impact on this correlation. In this review, we pooled unadjusted data of the studies and we found a non-significant increased risk for VTE in psoriasis patients compared to healthy controls. This discrepancy suggests that psoriasis severity, age, gender or comorbidities may influence the risk of VTE in subgroups of the psoriasis population. Future research to identify subgroups at risk for VTE is warranted.Key messagesThe included studies reported an increased risk of VTE, DVT, PE and RVO in psoriasis patients.A meta-analysis was performed on five studies that reported raw data and showed that the pooled risk ratio for VTE in psoriasis patients overall was increased, however not significantly, compared to healthy controls.Further research to pinpoint psoriasis subgroups at risk (e.g. severe psoriasis patients, younger age, associated comorbidities) of developing VTE is warranted.