Diagnosis and treatment of pediatric psoriasis: current and future

An optical system for noninvasive microscopy of psoriatic mice in vivo

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease involved with both complex morphological changes of skin and immune processes. The clinical diagnostics and research of psoriasis often require invasive biopsy which lacks their real-time dynamics in vivo. Here we report a noninvasive microscopic system developed by combining in vivo fluorescent microscopy, optical clearing, and immunolabeling to enable real-time imaging of immune cells and cytokines in blood flow in psoriatic animal models. The vascular morphology and time-lapse kinetics of interleukin (IL)-23, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α, and CD4+ cells in blood are captured at submicron resolution through the thickening epidermis and opaque scales during the development of psoriasis in vivo. Our data suggest IL-23 recruits CD4+ cells to release IL-17 in blood that further leaks out in the psoriatic skin area. This optical system enables noninvasive and real-time assessment of immune molecules and cells in vivo, providing good potential for medical researches on psoriasis.

Phototherapy as a Treatment for Dermatological Diseases, Cancer, Aesthetic Dermatologic Conditions and Allergenic Rhinitis in Adult and Paediatric Medicine

The development of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has led to an increase in the use of lighting regimes within medicine particularly as a treatment for dermatological conditions. New devices have demonstrated significant results for the treatment of medical conditions, including mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris, wound healing, psoriasis, squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen's disease), basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, and cosmetic applications. The three wavelengths of light that have demonstrated several therapeutic applications are blue (415 nm), red (633 nm), and near-infrared (830 nm). This review shows their potential for treating dermatological conditions. Phototherapy has also been shown to be an effective treatment for allergenic rhinitis in children and adults. In a double-anonymized randomized study it was found that there was 70% improvement of clinical symptoms of allergic rhinitis after intranasal illumination by low-energy narrow-band phototherapy at a wavelength of 660 nm three times a day for 14 consecutive days. Improvement of oedema in many patients with an age range of 7-17 were also observed. These light treatments can now be self-administered by sufferers using devices such as the Allergy Reliever phototherapy device. The device emits visible light (mUV/VIS) and infra-red light (660 nm and 940 nm) wavelengths directly on to the skin in the nasal cavity for a 3 min period. Several phototherapy devices emitting a range of wavelengths have recently become available for use and which give good outcomes for some dermatological conditions.

Vitamin D Signaling in Psoriasis: Pathogenesis and Therapy

Psoriasis is a systemic, chronic, immune-mediated disease that affects approximately 2–3% of the world’s population. The etiology and pathophysiology of psoriasis are still unknown, but the activation of the adaptive immune system with the main role of T-cells is key in psoriasis pathogenesis. The modulation of the local neuroendocrine system with the downregulation of pro-inflammatory and the upregulation of anti-inflammatory messengers represent a promising adjuvant treatment in psoriasis therapies. Vitamin D receptors and vitamin D-mediated signaling pathways function in the skin and are essential in maintaining the skin homeostasis. The active forms of vitamin D act as powerful immunomodulators of clinical response in psoriatic patients and represent the effective and safe adjuvant treatments for psoriasis, even when high doses of vitamin D are administered. The phototherapy of psoriasis, especially UVB-based, changes the serum level of 25(OH)D, but the correlation of 25(OH)D changes and psoriasis improvement need more clinical trials, since contradictory data have been published. Vitamin D derivatives can improve the efficacy of psoriasis phototherapy without inducing adverse side effects. The anti-psoriatic treatment could include non-calcemic CYP11A1-derived vitamin D hydroxyderivatives that would act on the VDR or as inverse agonists on RORs or activate alternative nuclear receptors including AhR and LXRs. In conclusion, vitamin D signaling can play an important role in the natural history of psoriasis. Selective targeting of proper nuclear receptors could represent potential treatment options in psoriasis.

Managing Pediatric Psoriasis: Update on Treatments and Challenges-A Review

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease with prominent cutaneous features, although the limited number of medications approved for pediatric psoriasis makes treating this population difficult. This review provides an overview of the challenges associated with diagnosing and treating pediatric psoriasis as well as the approved and off-label treatments for children and infants with psoriasis.

METHODS

Articles relevant to pediatric psoriasis were identified using series of PubMed searches. Topics relevant to pediatric psoriasis were explored, including disease characteristics, epidemiology, treatment efficacy and safety, and access to care. Publications previously known to the authors were also included.

RESULTS

Clinical features of psoriasis can be challenging to identify clinically, and patients face challenges gaining access to treatment. Most medications that have been approved for adult psoriasis lack data and labelling to support safe and effective use in pediatric patients, and therefore access is limited. A growing number of clinical trials using biologic agents for pediatric psoriasis aim to broaden available treatment options but may also raise unique concerns associated with the use of these medications in children.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric psoriasis is underrecognized and often undertreated. Clinicians must balance relative risks and potential benefits when developing a treatment strategy for these patients.

Pediatric Psoriasis: From New Insights into Pathogenesis to Updates on Treatment

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease primarily affecting the skin, but which often involves considerable comorbidities as well. One-third of psoriasis cases start during childhood. In pediatric psoriasis, an association with several medical comorbidities is also indicated. Furthermore, because of its chronic nature and frequent relapses, psoriatic patients tend to require long-term treatment and experience negative impacts on their quality of life. Considering the different clinical characteristics of pediatric psoriasis, it has recently been presented that the pathogenesis of pediatric psoriasis is distinct from adult psoriasis. Treatment for pediatric psoriasis usually involves the same methods as for adults. However, most treatments in pediatric psoriasis are used off-label and research in this regard is still lacking. Targeted therapies involving newly developed biologics are also increasingly being applied to psoriasis in children. This review summarizes the clinical characteristics of pediatric psoriasis and focuses mainly on the updated concepts of pathogenesis and treatments in pediatric psoriasis. This was undertaken to widen the understanding of these relevant aspects and to provide better management of pediatric psoriasis by clinicians.

Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Itching in Children and Adolescents

Itching is prevalent in children with skin disorders and associated with effects on their mood, quality of life, and social functioning. Surprisingly, there are no data on childhood prevalence of pruritus in the general population. The aim of this article is to explore the epidemiology, clinical manifestation, and treatment for itch (pruritus) in the pediatric population (from infancy to adolescence), and to be helpful to primary care physicians who assess and diagnose pediatric patients with itching. In this study, we searched for specific keywords using PubMed and MEDLINE (Ovid) and, then, refined the retrieved searches for each cause and treatment. As a result of reviewing the literature, atopic dermatitis was shown to be the most common cause of itching, especially during infancy and through preschool. Not only skin disorders but also systemic diseases, drugs, and postburn states can predispose an individual to itching in childhood. There are traditional and newly developed treatment modalities for itching in pediatric patients. However, because the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of childhood are different from those of adults, the medications for itching have to be applied carefully for these age groups. There are many areas to be elucidated regarding the prevalence and objective assessment of pruritus in pediatric patients. Moreover, the safety profiles of medications in the pediatric population need to be better understood. Further studies to investigate itching in childhood are warranted.

Ixekizumab for the treatment of pediatric patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

Introduction: Ixekizumab (IXE), a high affinity humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively targets interleukin-17A, is approved in the United States (US) and the European Union (EU) for pediatric patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. This review summarizes ixekizumab use in the phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in pediatric patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and provides some clinical pearls we have learned after using the drug in the pediatric population for the past 3 years.Areas covered: Review of IXORA-PEDS trial data, general literature review pertaining to the systemic treatment of pediatric psoriasis as well as our clinical experience with IXEExpert opinion: IXE is the only IL17 antagonist for pediatric psoriasis and is a welcome addition to our armamentarium.

FDA Approved Biologics: Can Etanercept and Ustekinumab be Considered a First-Line Systemic Therapy for Pediatric/Adolescents in Moderate to Severe Psoriasis? A Systematic Review

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin disorder. Due to lack of clarity in its pathogenesis, a cure with existing treatment is a big challenge. Biologics, a revolutionary treatment, are potent immunomodulators that explicitly target the culprit cells of the immune system to achieve the maximum level of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score (75 to 90) and clear or almost clear skin in moderate to severe psoriasis. They have been a successful therapy in adult severe psoriasis for a decade. In recent years, biologics have unprecedently sought the attention of the pediatric psoriatic population by proving an efficacious and safe option. The aim of the study is to provide a systematic review of efficacy, safety, and impact on the quality of life of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved biologics, namely etanercept and ustekinumab, and their use as a "first-line systemic therapy" in the moderate to severe pediatric and adolescent psoriatic population. We explored PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, American Academy of Dermatology website, ClinicalTrials.gov, the FDA site, and the National Psoriasis Foundation USA site as major database searches. Psoriasis, pediatric, etanercept, and ustekinumab were keywords used to find the relevant literature. Clinical trials and observational studies were retrieved and analyzed to assess the efficacy and safety of FDA-approved biologics as first-line systemic therapy in pediatric psoriasis. The relevant evidence-based studies and the Joint American Academy of Dermatology-National Psoriasis Foundation (AAD-NPF) guideline have shown that etanercept and ustekinumab biologics are significantly effective and safe systemic therapies in dealing with moderate to severe psoriasis in pediatric and adolescent patients and have unprecedently improved their quality of life. Thus, they can be confidently considered as first-line systemic therapy in moderate to severe pediatric and adolescent psoriatic patients by applying the specific criteria and proper monitoring. However, health practitioners and dermatologists must educate pediatric patients and their caretakers about their adverse effects, success/failure chance, careful monitoring, and follow-up plan to achieve the desired result.

Management of Paediatric Psoriasis by Paediatricians: A Questionnaire-Based Survey

INTRODUCTION

Paediatric plaque psoriasis (PedPso) in children and adolescents is often diagnosed and treated for the first time by paediatricians. An early onset of psoriasis is associated with a genetic family burden, higher severity of disease and increased risk of comorbidities, sometimes starting in childhood. However, little information is available on prevalence data and the clinical management of PedPso by paediatricians.

METHODS

A total of 191 questionnaires were sent out to paediatricians regarding their management of PedPso, with a focus on prevalence, diagnosis, initiation of therapies, screening for comorbidities and collaboration with dermatologists. Of these, 95 (49.7%) were returned and evaluated anonymously.

RESULTS

Only about one-half of the responding paediatricians reported being certain in their diagnosis of PedPso, even though they regularly see moderate-to-severely affected patients. The questionnaire revealed that there are clear differences in the general management of PedPso if the paediatrician is not certain of the diagnosis of psoriasis. Compared to paediatricians certain of their diagnosis, those who are uncertain less frequently perform whole-body inspection, screen for relevant comorbidities, such as psoriasis arthritis, metabolic syndrome or mental disorders, and prescribe the use of topical or systemic therapies. No responding paediatrician reported the use of modern systemic therapies, such as biologicals, even in severely affected children. The majority of respondents rated their cooperation with dermatologists as good.

CONCLUSION

The certainty of the diagnosis, the use of system therapies and the screening for comorbidity could improve the care of PedPso through targeted training of paediatricians and intensified interdisciplinary cooperation with dermatologist.

Safety and efficacy of fixed-dose combination calcipotriol (50 μg/g) and betamethasone dipropionate (0.5 mg/g) cutaneous foam in adolescent patients (aged 12 to <17 years) with plaque psoriasis: results of a phase II, open-label trial

Background

Fixed‐dose combination of calcipotriol (50 μg/g; Cal) and betamethasone dipropionate (0.5 mg/g; BD) foam is approved for plaque psoriasis treatment in adults, with a paucity of data supporting use in adolescents.

Objectives

To evaluate safety of 4 weeks’ treatment with Cal/BD foam in adolescent patients with psoriasis, and additional safety outcomes in patients with more severe disease (HPA‐axis cohort). Primary objectives included treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and systemic calcium levels in the overall population, and HPA‐axis function, change in calcium excretion and the calcium:creatinine ratio in the HPA‐axis cohort. Secondary objectives included exploratory efficacy endpoints [treatment success: change in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)]. Systemic exposure to Cal/BD was also assessed.

Methods

A phase II, open‐label, study (NCT02387853) in patients (12 to <17 years) with at least mild psoriasis, to evaluate Cal/BD foam applied once daily for ≤4 weeks.

Results

In patients assigned to treatment (n = 106), 32 TEAEs occurred in 22 patients (20.8%). All but two TEAEs were mild; none led to study withdrawal or death. Changes (0–4 weeks) in albumin‐corrected serum calcium (overall population) and urinary calcium excretion (HPA‐axis cohort) were small, transient and not considered clinically relevant. In the HPA‐axis cohort, no change in urinary calcium:creatinine ratio was observed and responses to adrenocorticotropic–hormone (ACTH) challenge did not suggest disruption of the HPA‐axis. Prespecified treatment success on the body and scalp was achieved by 71.8% and 75.7% of the overall population, respectively. Mean PASI decreased by 82.0% vs. baseline at Week 4. Systemic exposure to Cal/BD was minimal.

Conclusions

Cal/BD foam was well tolerated in adolescent patients with body/scalp psoriasis. There was no evidence for dysregulation of the HPA‐axis nor calcium homoeostasis in patients with more severe disease. Exploratory efficacy data in the overall population were encouraging.

Pediatric psoriasis: Evolving perspectives

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Childhood-onset psoriasis is a common skin disorder that has recently received increasing attention, particularly because of its significant medical, social, financial, and psychological burdens and its associated comorbidities. With limited data available and lack of standardized management guidelines for pediatric psoriasis, an expert panel desired to provide an updated critical overview and practical guidance for management of the affected population.

METHODS

A panel of pediatric dermatologists with extensive experience in pediatric psoriasis defined and prioritized a core set of topics, performed an English-language literature review, prepared critical evaluations and presentations of topic areas, and carried out a consensus meeting and follow-up consensus manuscript.

RESULTS

The summation of evolving perspectives in pediatric psoriasis includes epidemiology and natural history of the disease, precipitating factors and comorbidities, quality of life and burden of disease, clinical features and disease presentation, differential diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment, including topical, photo, and systemic therapies.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric psoriasis is an important immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease with potential for significant impact on affected individuals and their caregivers. Current state-of-the-art care is based primarily on experience and expert consensus, but pediatric data are accumulating and therapeutic options are rapidly evolving.

Pediatric Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease associated with an important physical and physiological burden. It primarily affects the skin, but it is associated with several serious medical co-morbidities. One third of total psoriatic cases have their onset during the pediatric age, although some of them may not be diagnosed until the patient reaches adulthood. Additionally, in the pediatric age, there is an association with several medical co-morbidities; thus, an early recognition of the disease and a subsequent appropriate approach may delay or even prevent considerable co-morbidities. Because children are not just 'small adults', specific guidelines for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of psoriasis are of extreme importance. However, these guidelines are still lacking in this age group. Most of the psoriasis treatments used in adults are not officially approved for the pediatric age and require off-label prescription. Moreover, efficacy and safety studies are lacking in this population, especially with long-term follow-up and outcomes. Many biologic agents have been recently approved for the treatment of psoriasis in children, while others are currently being studied. This bibliographic review aims to summarize the most relevant aspects, as well as updated information about the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, co-morbidities and treatment of pediatric psoriasis.

SYSTEM THERAPY OF PSORIASIS IN CHILDREN (PART I)

We include a review of modern methods of systemic therapy of psoriasis in children, indications for which are moderate and severe forms of psoriasis with PASI 10, skin pathological process that is uncontrollable with topical drugs, skin lesions with functional localization (lesions of genitals, palms and soles, facial skin), erythrodermic psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis. We provide information on the techniques of narrow-band phototherapy (UVB 311 nm) that are used in the treatment of psoriasis in children. We provide data on efficacy, safety, necessary monitoring of clinical and laboratory indicators, peculiarities of vaccination during treatment of children with acitretin, methotrexate, cyclosporine.

Update in the management of pediatric psoriasis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Psoriasis is a multifactorial, chronic, inflammatory skin disease that may represent a therapeutic challenge in children. This review aims to provide a framework for the management of pediatric psoriasis, emphasizing in new insights and considerations for management. It will focus on new disease associations and innovative treatment modalities that challenge current approach of psoriasis in children.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is an increasing body of literature both in adults and in children linking psoriasis with different comorbidities. This new evidence points to the need of addressing psoriasis as a systemic disease and suggests the need for screening and creating awareness of possible associations. In a similar manner, newer medications are also being investigated in children. Recent publications report on the efficacy and safety of biologics for psoriasis in pediatric patients.

SUMMARY

The review provides better understanding of present and future risks of untreated and uncontrolled psoriasis in children and at the same time the benefits and risks of new treatments available.

Psoriasis in children

The clinical presentation, disease associations, and diverse treatment modalities in overcoming the challenges of managing pediatric psoriasis have been extensively summarized in this article. An extensive literature review revealed the differences in presentation of psoriasis during infancy, childhood, and adolescence. We also summarized the latest topical, systemic, and biological modalities in treating recalcitrant psoriasis. The association of psoriasis with juvenile arthritis and obesity and the significant influence of the disease on the children's quality of life were explored. The clinical presentation of psoriasis can evolve during the child's lifespan. While many treatment modalities already exist for treating pediatric psoriasis, some of the new biologics that are approved for adult patients have not been investigated in the pediatric population and no algorithm exists for their use in this population. Large clinical studies in the future will enhance our understanding with regards to their safety and potential implications in pediatric populations.

Psoriasis in adults and children: Kids are not just little people

Pediatric psoriasis is a common skin disorder. Although pediatric psoriasis has many similarities to adult psoriasis, there are differences in presentation, particularly in infants. In addition, a more limited therapeutic armamentarium exists for children due to different inherent risks. Nearly all therapies are unapproved in the pediatric population, with far fewer pre- and postmarketing studies having been conducted. Despite these challenges, appropriate treatment should never be denied to a young patient, as physical and psychosocial ramifications of psoriasis in the school age child and adolescent are significant. A partnership with the patient, caregivers, and primary care providers is necessary and rewarding in meeting the challenges of this chronic, incurable disease. We address the presentation, treatment options, and counseling necessary when treating psoriasis in the pediatric population.

Systemic Treatment of Pediatric Psoriasis: A Review

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory skin disease, affecting 1-3% of the white population. Although the existence of two psoriasis incidence peaks has been suggested (one in adolescence before 20 years of age and another in adulthood), its onset may occur at any age, including childhood and adolescence, in which the incidence is now estimated at 40.8 per 100,000. As for adult psoriasis, pediatric psoriasis has recently been associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, increased waist circumference percentiles and metabolic laboratory abnormalities, warranting early monitoring and lifestyle modifications. In addition, due to psoriasis' chronic nature and frequently occurring relapses, psoriatic patients tend to have an impaired quality of life, often requiring long-term treatment. Therefore, education of both pediatric patients and their parents is essential to successful and safe disease management. Given the lack of officially approved therapies, the very limited evidence-based data from randomized controlled trials, and the absence of standardized guidelines, to date, pediatric psoriasis treatment is primarily based on published case reports, case series, guidelines for adult psoriasis, expert opinions and experience with these drugs in other pediatric disorders coming from the disciplines of rheumatology, gastroenterology and oncology. This review focuses on the use of systemic treatments in pediatric psoriasis and their specific features, analyzing the few literature evidences available, expanding the treatment repertoire and guiding dermatologists in better managing of recalcitrant pediatric psoriasis.

Phototherapy in children: Considerations and indications

Phototherapy can be a safe and effective treatment for various skin diseases in children. Special considerations governing the use of this treatment modality in pediatric populations include patient, family, and facility-based factors that are oriented around heightened concerns with regard to safety and tolerability of treatment. Although phototherapy has been found to be effective in a wide range of dermatologic conditions affecting pediatric populations, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, pityriasis lichenoides, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, and vitiligo, there is need for additional research on other conditions in which phototherapy has shown promise.

Psoriasis in childhood: effective strategies to improve treatment adherence

Psoriasis is a relatively common chronic inflammatory skin disease in children for which there is no cure. Most children have mild disease that can be managed with topical therapy as opposed to phototherapy or systemic therapy. Despite the mild presentation of psoriasis in most children, the disease can have a significant impact on quality of life due to the need for ongoing treatment, the frequently visible nature of the cutaneous manifestations, and the social stigma that is associated with psoriasis. Adherence to treatment, in particular topical therapy, is often poor in adults and compromises response to therapy and medical provider management strategies. Multiple factors that may contribute to nonadherence in adults with psoriasis have been identified, including lack of education on the disease and expectations for management, issues related to ease of use and acceptability of topical medications, and anxiety regarding possible medication side effects. There is currently no published data on adherence in the pediatric psoriasis population; however, poor adherence is often suspected when patients fail to respond to appropriate therapy. General strategies used to assess adherence in other pediatric disease populations can be applied to children with psoriasis, and interventions that reflect experience in other chronic dermatologic disorders such as atopic dermatitis may also be helpful for medical providers caring for children with psoriasis.

Psoriasis in Children and Adolescents: Diagnosis, Management and Comorbidities

Psoriasis is a common chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder and begins in childhood in almost one-third of the cases. Although children present with the same clinical subtypes of psoriasis seen in adults, lesions may differ in distribution and morphology, and their clinical symptoms at presentation may vary from those reported by adult patients. Nevertheless, diagnosis of psoriasis is primarily based on clinical features. Pediatric psoriasis can have a profound long-term impact on the psychological health of affected children. Additionally, pediatric psoriasis has been associated with certain comorbidities, such as obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus and rheumatoid arthritis, making early diagnosis and management essential. As guidelines are lacking and most (systemic) treatments are not approved for use in children, treatment of pediatric psoriasis remains a challenge. A prospective, multicenter, international registry is needed to evaluate these treatments in a standardized manner and ultimately to develop international guidelines on pediatric psoriasis. This article reviews current concepts in pediatric psoriasis including epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, the role of topical and systemic agents and the association with other morbidities in childhood.

Mining emerging biomedical literature for understanding disease associations in drug discovery

Systematically evaluating the exponentially growing body of scientific literature has become a critical task that every drug discovery organization must engage in in order to understand emerging trends for scientific investment and strategy development. Developing trends analysis uses the number of publications within a 3-year window to determine concepts derived from well-established disease and gene ontologies to aid in recognizing and predicting emerging areas of scientific discoveries relevant to that space. In this chapter, we describe such a method and use obesity and psoriasis as use-case examples by analyzing the frequency of disease-related MeSH terms in PubMed abstracts over time. We share how our system can be used to predict emerging trends at a relatively early stage and we analyze the literature-identified genes for genetic associations, druggability, and biological pathways to explore any potential biological connections between the two diseases that could be utilized for drug discovery.