Managing Psoriasis in Patients with HBV or HCV Infection: Practical Considerations

2023 guidelines on the management of psoriasis by the Dermatological Society of Singapore

Introduction

Psoriasis is a multisystem, chronic, inflammatory dermatological disease. In routine clinical practice, the management of psoriasis varies significantly. The current study aimed to develop a set of practice guidelines relevant to dermatology practice in Singapore.

Method

The Psoriasis Therapeutic Guidelines Workgroup, comprising members of the Dermato-logical Society of Singapore with a subspecialisation in psoriasis, was convened to develop the guidelines. Clinical questions on selected topics were generated and refined by the workgroup. A literature search using PubMed was performed on their assigned topics from June 2013 to December 2023. The articles were included and graded based on the level of evidence.

Results

The guidelines address topics ranging from clinical assessment to practical considerations in the management of mild, moderate and severe psoriasis, including delivery of care, referrals to specialists and adherence to treatment. The recommended therapies include phototherapy, methotrexate, acitretin, cyclosporine; apremilast; topical corticoste-roids, calcipotriol, topical calcineurin inhibitors; and biologics (i.e. adalimumab, infliximab, secukinumab, ixekizumab, ustekinumab, etanercept) either in combina-tion or as monotherapy. Common therapeutic concerns relating to biologic use were addressed. Recommendations on generalised pustular psoriasis, palmoplantar pustular psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis were also made. Patients on systemic therapy would receive appropriate vaccine counselling. Therapeutic implica-tions in special populations, such as pregnant/ lactating women, children, the elderly, those undergo-ing surgery and those suffering from specific infections and cancer were addressed.

Conclusion

These guidelines were developed for dermatologists, family physicians, rheumatologists and other specialists to support their selection of appropriate management options.

Management of Psoriasis Patients with Serious Infectious Diseases

The management of patients affected by moderate-to-severe psoriasis may be challenging, in particular in patients with serious infectious diseases [tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B and C, HIV, COVID-19]. Indeed, these infections should be ruled out before starting and during systemic treatment for psoriasis. Currently, four conventional systemic drugs (methotrexate, dimethyl fumarate, acitretin, cyclosporine), four classes of biologics (anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha, anti-interleukin (IL)12/23, anti-IL-17s, and anti-IL-23], and two oral small molecules (apremilast, deucravacitinib) have been licensed for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Each of these drugs is characterized by a unique safety profile which should be considered before starting therapy. Indeed, some comorbidities or risk factors may limit their use. In this context, the aim of this manuscript was to evaluate the management of patients affected by moderate-to-severe psoriasis with serious infectious diseases.

Choosing the right biologic treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: the impact of comorbidities

INTRODUCTION

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease often associated with several comorbidities, such as psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular diseases, infections, or cancer, among others. With the progressive aging of the population, a growing number of patients with psoriasis can be expected to present multiple comorbidities. Currently, there is a wide range of biological treatments available for moderate to severe psoriasis, including tumor necrosis alpha (TNF) inhibitors, IL12/23 inhibitor, IL17 inhibitors, and IL23 inhibitors.

AREAS COVERED

This review aims to describe the specific characteristics of these drugs in relation to psoriasis comorbidities, in order to facilitate decision-making in clinical practice.

EXPERT OPINION

Some of the biological treatments can influence comorbidities, in some cases even improving them. Therefore, comorbidities are a key factor when deciding on one biological treatment over another. The development of new drugs is expanding the therapeutic arsenal for psoriasis. A high level of expertise in the field with a detailed knowledge of the characteristics of every drug is imperative to provide personalized medicine.

Letter: Incidence of hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients with psoriasis treated with cytokine inhibitors

This article is linked to El Jamaly et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17155

Safety of secukinumab in the treatment of patients with axial spondyloarthritis and concurrent hepatitis B virus infection or latent tuberculosis infection

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety of secukinumab (SEC) in the treatment of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and concurrent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection or latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI).

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study. Adult axSpA patients with HBV infection or LTBI receiving SEC treatment for at least 3 months from March 2020 to July 2022 in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital were included. Patients were screened for HBV infection and LTBI before SEC treatment. During follow-up, reactivation of HBV infection and LTBI was monitored. Relevant data were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 43 axSpA patients with HBV infection or LTBI were included, of whom 37 were with HBV infection, 6 were with LTBI. Six out of thirty-seven (16.2%) patients with axSpA and concurrent HBV infection exhibited HBV reactivation after 9.0 ± 5.7 months of SEC treatment. Among them, 3 patients had chronic HBV infection and received anti-HBV prophylaxis, 2 patients had chronic HBV infection but did not receive anti-HBV prophylaxis, and 1 patient had occult HBV infection and did not receive antiviral prophylaxis. None of the 6 axSpA patients with LTBI developed reactivation of LTBI, whether received anti-TB prophylaxis or not.

CONCLUSIONS

HBV reactivation can occur in axSpA patients with different types of HBV infection undergoing SEC treatment, whether receive antiviral prophylaxis or not. Close monitoring of HBV reactivation in axSpA patients with HBV infection undergoing SEC treatment is mandatory. Anti-HBV prophylaxis may be beneficial. In contrast, SEC may be safe in axSpA patients with LTBI, even in patients not receiving anti-TB prophylaxis. Key Points •Currently, most evidence about the safety of SEC in patients with HBV infection and LTBI were from patients with psoriasis. Our study adds data about the safety of SEC in Chinese axSpA patients with concurrent HBV infection or LTBI in real-world clinical setting. •Our study showed that HBV reactivation can occur in axSpA patients with different types of HBV infection undergoing SEC treatment, whether receive antiviral prophylaxis or not. •Close monitoring of serum HBV markers, HBV DNA load, and liver function is mandatory in axSpA patients with chronic, occult, and resolved HBV infection undergoing SEC treatment. Anti-HBV prophylaxis may be beneficial in all HBsAg-positive patients and HBsAg-negative, HBcAb-positive patients at high risk of HBV reactivation who are receiving SEC therapy. •None of the axSpA patients with LTBI, whether received anti-TB prophylaxis or not, developed reactivation of LTBI in our study. SEC may be safe in axSpA patients with LTBI, even in patients not receiving anti-TB prophylaxis.

Drug Survival of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Inhibitors and Switched Subsequent Biologic Agents in Patients with Psoriasis: A Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to retrospectively examine the drug survival of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors and switched subsequent biologic agents after discontinuation of TNF inhibitors.

METHODS

This real-world setting study was conducted at a single academic center. We included patients who were treated with adalimumab (n = 111), certolizumab pegol (n = 12), and infliximab (n = 74) at Jichi Medical University Hospital from 1 January 2010 to 31 July 2021.

RESULTS

No significant differences were noted in drug survival between the three TNF inhibitors. The 10-year drug survival rate for adalimumab and infliximab was 14% and 18%, respectively. Of the patients who discontinued TNF inhibitors for any reason (n = 137), 105 chose biologics as their subsequent treatment. The subsequent biologics included 31 cases of TNF inhibitors (adalimumab in 20, certolizumab pegol in 1, and infliximab in 10), 19 of interleukin-12/23 inhibitor (ustekinumab), 42 of interleukin-17 inhibitors (secukinumab in 19, brodalumab in 9, and ixekizumab in 14) and 13 of interleukin-23 inhibitors (guselkumab in 11, risankizumab in 1, and tildrakizumab in 1). Cox proportional hazards analysis for the subsequent drugs in cases of discontinuation due to inadequate efficacy revealed that female sex was a predictor of drug discontinuation (hazard ratio 2.58, 95% confidence interval 1.17-5.70) and that taking interleukin-17 inhibitors rather than TNF inhibitors was a predictor of drug persistence (hazard ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.15-0.93).

CONCLUSIONS

Interleukin-17 inhibitors may be a favorable option for patients who need to switch from TNF inhibitors due to inadequate efficacy. However, this study is limited by the small number of cases and its retrospective design.

Efficacy and Safety of Tildrakizumab in a Patient with Chronic HBV Infection

The introduction of biologic drugs revolutionized the management of moderate-to-severe forms of psoriasis. However, safety concerns still remain, particularly on patient affected by opportunistic infections. In this scenario, the safety of biologic drugs in patient with HBV infection is debated. Globally, screening for hepatitis before starting biological treatment is mandatory as well as a referral to an infectivologist and eventual prophylactic management should be evaluated case by case, also considering risk factors. On the one hand, the use of anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor seems to increase the risk of HBV reactivation, conversely, the use of recently approved classes of biologics [anti-interleukin (IL) 17 and anti-IL23] seems to have a lower risk of HBV reactivation. However, the evidence on the safety of anti-IL23 drugs in patients affected by HBV is scant, particularly for patients undergoing treatment with tildrakizumab. Herein, we report the first case of a female patient affected by moderate-to-severe psoriasis and with chronic HBV infection undergoing prophylaxis, successfully treated with tildrakizumab without reporting hepatitis reactivation. Even if limited, our case seems to confirm available evidence about the safety of anti-IL23, particularly tildrakizumab, on patients with chronic HBV infection undergoing prophylaxis.

Apremilast in Psoriasis Patients With Serious Comorbidities: a Case Series and Systematic Review of Literature

INTRODUCTION

Patients with serious comorbidities are traditionally excluded from clinical trials. Apremilast is not contraindicated in active infections, malignancy and serious hepatic or renal impairment, but real-life data is needed to support this recommendation.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this paper is to present our personal as well as literature-sourced real-world evidenced on apremilast use in psoriasis patients with serious baseline comorbidities.

METHODS

A case-series and systematic literature review were performed. The psoriasis archives of a tertiary-care hospital, four electronic databases (MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Google scholar) and other sources were searched (January 2014 - July 2021). Identified records were considered eligible, if they reported on the use of apremilast monotherapy in psoriasis patients with chronic infections, history of malignancy, serious liver, renal, psychiatric, or other disease(s).

RESULTS

At least 841 psoriasis patients with serious baseline diseases received apremilast. Only 3 cases of cancer progression and no infection reactivations or worsening of other diseases were documented. No increased frequency/severity of adverse events or reduced drug efficacy were noted. Main limitations of this study are the exclusion of a few reports due to inappropriately documented data and the fact that at least some patients might have been counted more than once.

CONCLUSIONS

Apremilast is a safe and adequately efficacious option for psoriasis that cannot be treated/is challenging to treat with classic systemic agents and/or biologics.

Hepatitis Virus Reactivation in Patients with Psoriasis Treated with Secukinumab in a Real-World Setting of Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C Infection

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Biologics for psoriasis, especially anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapies, may reactivate hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, as well in inactive carriers or patients with occult infection. However, some biologics, including anti-interleukin-17 therapies such as secukinumab, seem to be less likely to cause hepatitis reactivation. This study assessed the safety of secukinumab treatment in patients with psoriasis with HBV or HBC infection.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis treated with secukinumab at seven Italian centers. Patients serologically positive for one or more of the following viral hepatitis markers were included: HCV antibody (± HCV-RNA positivity) and/or hepatitis B surface antigen, and/or HBV core antibody and/or HBV surface antibody (± HBV-DNA positivity). Patients received secukinumab 300 mg subcutaneously at week 0/1/2/3/4 then every 4 weeks; prophylactic therapy before starting secukinumab was prescribed where indicated. The primary study endpoint was the reactivation of hepatitis viral infection, defined as conversion to HBV-DNA or HCV-RNA positivity, with or without elevation of transaminases.

RESULTS

Sixty patients (17 with concomitant psoriatic arthritis) were included. Thirteen subjects were hepatitis B surface antigen positive, 19 were HBV core antibody positive, and 30 were positive for the HCV antibody; however, all were HCV-RNA negative. After 53.5 ± 37.5 weeks of secukinumab therapy, hepatitis reactivation occurred in only one patient, who had a reactivation of both hepatitis B and hepatitis C. This patient had not undergone hepatitis B prophylaxis or hepatitis C treatment before secukinumab.

CONCLUSIONS

These real-world data support the safety of secukinumab in patients with positive markers of HBV or HCV infection, when administered together with dedicated prophylaxis.

Comparative Study on the Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Acitretin and MTX in the Treatment of Pustular Psoriasis by TLR7/MyD88/CXCL16 Pathway

Objective

To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of acitretin and MTX with TLR7/MyD88/CXCL16 in the treatment of pustular psoriasis.

Method

A total of 54 patients with pustular psoriasis were randomly divided into control group (n = 14) and study group (n = 40). MTX was used in the control group, and different doses of acitretin were used in the study group, which were divided into low-dose group (n = 13), medium-dose group (n = 13), and high-dose group (n = 14). Symptom relief time, recurrence rate, GPPASI improvement rate, treatment response rate, BSA, DLQI score, and TLR7 and CXCL16 levels were compared among four groups.

Result

The erythema, fever, and pustules disappeared in the low-dose group, the medium-dose group, and the high-dose group for a shorter time than control group, and it is shortest for the high-dose group. The low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups had relatively lower recurrence rates at 1 month and 3 months (P < 0.05). The improvement rates of GPPASI50 of the four groups (the control group, low-dose group, medium-dose group, and high-dose group in turn) were 71.4%, 78.3%, 80.2%, and 80.8%; GPPASI75 of the four groups were 73.5%, 74.3%, 79.4%, and 80.9%; and GPPASI90 were 12.9%, 13.1%, 13.4%, and 13.8%. After treatment, the BSA and DLQI scores of the four groups were reduced. The BSA and DLQI scores of the study group decreased more significantly, and the high-dose group had the most significant improvement (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the four groups was 16.2%, 8.1%, 10.3%, and 14.7%, respectively. The high-dose group had a higher incidence of adverse reaction than the low-dose group (P < 0.05). The effective rates of treatment of the four groups were 69.1%, 86.9%, 88.2%, and 91.9%, respectively. The study group had higher treatment efficiency than the control group, and the high-dose group had the highest treatment efficiency (P < 0.05). After treatment, the level of serum TLR7 and CXCL16 was significantly reduced, but which in the study group decreased more significantly (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The clinical effect of a high dose of acitretin on pustular psoriasis is remarkable. It can reduce the recurrence rate and improve the quality of life and clinical symptoms. Therefore, a high dose of acitretin is worth popularizing and applying.

A Case of Chronic HCV Infection Reactivation in a Psoriasis Patient Treated with Guselkumab

Introduction:

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease requiring long-term treatment. Although there are approximately 71 million individuals with chronic HCV infection worldwide. In psoriatic patients affected by chronic HCV infection, conventional systemic drugs may be frequently contraindicated, while data on biologics use are limited.

Case presentation:

The case of a 48-year-old Caucasian-man suffering from a severe form of plaque psoriasis and affected by a chronic-HCV-infection treated with guselkumab has been reported. Despite a huge improvement of the skin lesions (PASI reduced from 18 to 2), guselkumab was discontinued due to an HCV-infection reactivation after 3 months of treatment.

Conclusion:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of the use of guselkumab in an HCV psoriatic patient. Further studies are needed to evaluate the safety of guselkumab in chronic HCV patients.

Novel Therapeutic Approaches to Psoriasis and Risk of Infectious Disease

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin and joint disease, with a plethora of comorbidities, characterized by a certain genetic predisposition, and a complex pathogenesis based on the IL-23/IL-17 pathway. There is no doubt that the patients affected by psoriasis are more susceptible to infections as well as that the risk of infection is higher in psoriatic subjects than in the general population. The advent of biotechnological agents on the therapeutic arsenal actually available for the treatment of moderate-to-severe patients, given the fact that the severity of the disease is a predictor of the level of infectious risk, has raised the question of whether these ‘new’ drugs could be considered a safer option and how they can be used in selected cases. Old and newer strategies in cases of chronic infectious conditions are reviewed under the light of clinical trials and other studies present in literature.

The impact of external factors on psoriasis

Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases, constituting a significant health and socioeconomic problem. Despite numerous therapeutic options, the results of treatment very often remain insufficient. It is extremely important to remember that many external factors impact the effectiveness of therapy. This article discusses the importance of emollients in therapy and the influence of infectious agents and injuries on the course of psoriasis. Understanding the above-mentioned factors in the treatment of psoriasis is critical to achieve satisfactory therapeutic effects.

Safety of therapies using ustekinumab in patients with psoriasis who have had hepatitis B virus infection

Biological therapies used in psoriasis treatment pose a risk of reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This risk occurs not only in patients with HB surface antigen (HBsAg) (+) but also in patients with past or occult HBV infection (with negative HBsAg, positive HB core antibodies (HBcAb), and positive HBV deoxyribonucleic acid [DNA]). Ustekinumab (UST) is a biologic agent acts by blocking the IL-12/23 pathway. Thus, hindering this response may lead to HBV reactivation. UST therapy is associated with mild HBV-r risk; however, there is insufficient data to confirm that hypothesis. Herein, we present observations on the safety of UST therapy in patients with psoriasis and serologically proved past HBV infection. One-hundred and six consecutive patients with moderate to severe psoriasis treated with biological therapy between May 2013 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Out of 106 patients, there were five who reported having past HBV. Those five patients were tested for the presence of HBsAg, HBcAb, HBsAb as well as HBV DNA at baseline and at the end of the follow-up period. HBV reactivation was defined as changing of "undetectable" to "detectable" viremia. All five patients were treated with UST. Five patients in our cohort group were found to have resolved HBV infection: HBsAg (-), HBcAb (+), and HBV DNA (-); 4/5 were HBsAb (+) and 1/5 HBsAb (-). None of the patients experienced an increase in their liver function tests values and no signs of hepatitis or HBV reactivation were observed at any point during the study. All the patients were HBsAg and HBV DNA negative at the end of the follow-up period. The average treatment time was 82.4 (28, 96) weeks. The average follow-up time was 75.2 (31, 176) weeks. Based on the available literature and the results from our observations, UST therapy seems to be a safe option for patients with resolved HBV infection.

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.

Risk of infections in psoriasis: assessment and challenges in daily management

INTRODUCTION

In daily practice management of psoriasis, evaluation of risk factors for infections is having a growing influence. Indeed, in psoriatic patients, risk of infections may be due to psoriasis itself, immunomodulatory therapy, and comorbidities that may increase this risk and patient hospitalization.

AREAS COVERED

Given the greater understanding of psoriasis pathogenesis and the increasing number of treatment options, it is particularly important to customize therapy according to each, single patient; psoriasis features and comorbidities are also essential to tailor treatment goals.

EXPERT OPINION

In this perspective, the current knowledge on the infectious risk in psoriatic patient, related to comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary, to 'special populations,' to chronic infections, such as latent tuberculosis, chronic hepatitis B and C, and HIV, and to the most recent Covid-19 pandemic scenario, is reviewed and discussed in order to suggest the most appropriate approach and achieve the best available therapeutic option.

The Use of Apremilast in Psoriasis: An Indian Perspective on Real-World Scenarios

Apremilast, an oral phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, is approved for use in the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Although its efficacy and safety have been well established in clinical studies, in real-world settings, different practice scenarios have been reported. This review paper serves to evaluate clinical real-world scenarios and aspects of treatment for which the information in the literature was considered to be lacking or controversial. Following a literature review, a panel of five dermatologists with expertise in psoriasis considered five scenarios; namely, the positioning of apremilast in psoriasis, its use in difficult-to-treat areas, special conditions and populations, safety, dose titration and dose in maintenance therapy. These were then assessed with psoriasis experts in India using a web-based questionnaire. A total of 28 questions were discussed regarding these scenarios. According to the responses, apremilast is effective in stable mild to moderate psoriasis as monotherapy and in severe psoriasis in combination. Also, a positive response was received with regard to its effectiveness in difficult locations such as the scalp, palms and soles. To reduce adverse effects, prolonged titration therapy over 4 weeks is required and lower doses can be prescribed to maintain remission. Apremilast therapy should be continued for a minimum of 8 weeks once initiated to achieve the desired results, and the total duration of therapy should be about 24 weeks for better efficacy. It is also effective in many other cases, such as obese patients, patients with hepatitis B or C and HIV, or patients on polypharmacy. It was also reported that apremilast requires less prescreening and monitoring than other conventional and biologic systemic therapies. Overall, apremilast is an attractive option for the individualized treatment of psoriasis owing to its favorable safety profile, its ease of oral administration without the need for screening or ongoing laboratory monitoring, and its positive impact on symptoms and lesions in difficult-to-treat areas.

Is there a relationship between psoriasis and hepatitis C? A meta-analysis and bioinformatics investigation

Background

The relationship between psoriasis and hepatitis C was previously controversial, so our purpose is to investigate this connection.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of the case–control, cross-sectional and cohort studies examining the association between psoriasis and hepatitis C in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane library databases and investigated the overlapping genes between psoriasis targets and hepatitis C targets using bioinformatics analysis. Based on overlapping genes and hub nodes, we also constructed the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and module respectively, followed by the pathway enrichment analysis.

Results

We included 11 publications that reported a total of 11 studies (8 cross-sectional and 3 case–control). The case–control and cross-sectional studies included 25,047 psoriasis patients and 4,091,631 controls in total. Psoriasis was associated with a significant increase of prevalent hepatitis C (OR 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.17–2.52)). A total of 389 significant genes were common to both hepatitis C and psoriasis, which mainly involved IL6, TNF, IL10, ALB, STAT3 and CXCL8. The module and pathway enrichment analyses showed that the common genes had the potential to influence varieties of biological pathways, including the inflammatory response, cytokine activity, cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, which play an important role in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C and psoriasis.

Conclusion

Patients with psoriasis display increased prevalence of hepatitis C and the basic related mechanisms between hepatitis C and psoriasis had been preliminarily clarified.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12985-021-01606-z.

Biologic Treatment Algorithms for Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis with Comorbid Conditions and Special Populations: A Review

The emergence of data from clinical trials of biologics, the approval of new biologics, and our improved understanding of psoriasis pathogenesis have increased the therapeutic possibilities for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Biologics currently approved for the treatment of psoriasis include tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitors, ustekinumab (an IL-12/23 inhibitor), and IL-23 inhibitors. Data from clinical trials and studies of the safety and efficacy of biologics provide essential information for the personalization of patient care. We discuss the benefits and disadvantages of biologics as a first-line treatment choice, update treatment recommendations according to current evidence, and propose psoriasis treatment algorithms. Our discussion includes the following comorbid conditions: psoriatic arthritis, multiple sclerosis, congestive heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis B, nonmelanoma skin cancer, lymphoma, and latent tuberculosis. We make evidence-based treatment recommendations for special populations, including pediatric patients, patients with coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), and pregnant and breastfeeding patients with psoriasis. Ultimately, individualized recommendations that consider patient preferences, disease severity, comorbid conditions, and additional risk factors should be offered to patients and updated as new trial data emerges.

Review article: safety of new biologic agents for inflammatory bowel disease in the liver

New biologic agents (vedolizumab, ustekinumab and tofacitinib) represent an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases and have been recently approved. However, with a rapidly evolving complement of advanced targeted therapies, new concerns about their potentially undesirable effects on liver function emerge. In particular, little is known about safety data in patients with hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus chronic infections, cirrhosis and in transplanted patients who are accumulating. In addition, these new agents have also been associated with drug-induced liver injury. Limited data on the efficacy of vedolizumab in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis are also available. This article reviews available data about hepatic safety concerns in patients receiving vedolizumab, ustekinumab and tofacitinib with and without preexistent hepatic diseases.

Impact of long-term systemic treatment for psoriasis on liver disease in psoriasis patients with coexisting hepatitis B virus infection

Continuously updated information is helpful for evaluating the safety of long-term systemic drug use in psoriasis patients with concomitant hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. To investigate the impact of long-term systemic treatment for psoriasis on liver disease in psoriasis patients with HBV infection. Data of patients during 10-year period were recorded and analyzed. Sixty-six patients (46 males and 20 females) with a mean age of 58.5 ± 13.1 years were recruited. Our study estimated that the 5-year cumulative risks of developing cirrhosis and HCC were 30% and 5%, respectively, in patients receiving systemic treatments for psoriasis. Risks of cirrhosis and HCC were not significantly different between systemic and topical treatment groups. Thirty patients were prescribed systemic treatments (acitretin, methotrexate, ciclosporin, and anti-tumor necrosis factors). Three HBsAg+ patients developed viral reactivation (two patients with methotrexate and one patient with ciclosporin). The effects of systemic treatments for psoriasis on liver outcome in patients with coexisting HBV infection are needed to be determined. HBsAg+ patients are more likely to develop viral reactivation during systemic treatment for psoriasis than HBsAg- patients. Monitoring of liver enzymes and HBV DNA every 3 months is recommended during treatment and for 6 to 12 months after drug discontinuation.

Practical recommendations for systemic treatment in psoriasis in case of coexisting inflammatory, neurologic, infectious or malignant disorders (BETA-PSO: Belgian Evidence-based Treatment Advice in Psoriasis; part 2)

Background

Psoriasis patients carry an increased risk for associated comorbidities. Dermatologists have to be aware of the effects of systemic treatments not only on psoriasis but also on co‐occurring diseases. In case of other coexisting inflammatory diseases, the right psoriasis treatment may improve both disorders. For infectious and malignant disorders, some treatments have to be avoided as they may be harmful.

Objective

The primary objective of this project was to collect evidence for the creation of practice guidelines for systemic treatment of psoriasis (BETA‐PSO: Belgian Evidence‐based Treatment Advice in Psoriasis).

Methods

Evidence‐based recommendations were formulated using a quasi‐Delphi methodology after a systematic search of the literature and a consensus procedure involving eight psoriasis experts.

Results

Recommendations are given on the use of systemic treatment in psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, demyelinating disorders, hepatitis B and C, HIV and cancer.

Conclusion

This expert opinion is a practical guide for dermatologists when handling psoriasis patients with these specific conditions.

The Antiviral Properties of Cyclosporine. Focus on Coronavirus, Hepatitis C Virus, Influenza Virus, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infections

This review updates current knowledge regarding the risk of viral infections, including COVID-19, in patients treated with cyclosporine. We also shortly refer to bacterial infections and parasitic infestations in patients treated with cyclosporin. Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive drug, which is widely used in medicine, including in the treatment of autoimmune skin diseases in dermatology, rheumatology, ophthalmology and nephrology, and in organ transplantation. A usual concern associated with immunosuppressive treatment is the potential risk of infections. Interestingly, several data indicate a relatively low risk of infections, especially viral infections, in patients receiving cyclosporine. It was shown that cyclosporine exerts an inhibitory effect on the replication of some viruses, or may have a potentially beneficial effect on the disease course in infections. These include hepatitis C, influenza virus, rotavirus, human immunodeficiency virus and coronavirus infections. Available data indicate that cyclosporine may have a beneficial effect on COVID-19, which is caused by the coronavirus SARS-COV2.

Infection risk in patients undergoing treatment for inflammatory arthritis: non-biologics versus biologics

Introduction: Despite the therapeutic effectiveness of biologics targeting immune cells or cytokines in patients with inflammatory arthritis, which reflects their pathogenic roles, an increased infection risk is observed in those undergoing biological treatment. However, there are limited data regarding the comparison of infection risks in inflammatory arthritis patients treated with non-biologics (csDMARDs), biologics (bDMARDs), including tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and non-TNF inhibitors, or targeted synthetic (ts)DMARDs.Areas covered: Through a review of English-language literature as of 30 June 2019, we focus on the existing evidence on the risk of infections caused by bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and hepatitis virus in inflammatory arthritis patients undergoing treatment with csDMARDs, bDMARDs, or tsDMARDs.Expert opinion: While the risks of bacterial and mycobacterial infection are increased in arthritis patients treated with csDMARDs, the risks are further higher in those receiving bDMARDs therapy, particularly TNF inhibitors. Regarding HBV infection, antiviral therapy may effectively prevent HBV reactivation in patients receiving bDMARDs, especially rituximab. However, more data are needed to establish effective preventive strategies for HBsAg-negative/HBcAb-positive patients. It seems safe to use cyclosporine and TNF inhibitors in patients with HCV infection, while those undergoing rituximab therapies should be frequently monitored for HCV activity.Abbreviations: ABT: abatacept; ADA: adalimumab; AS: ankylosing spondylitis; bDMARDs: biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs; CKD: chronic kidney disease; COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; CS: corticosteroids; CsA: cyclosporine A; csDMARDs: conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs; CZP: certolizumab; DAAs: direct-acting antiviral agents; DM: diabetes mellitus; DOT: directly observed therapy; EIN: Emerging Infections Network; ETN: etanercept; GOL: golimumab; GPRD: General Practice Research Database; HBV: hepatitis B virus; HBVr: HBV reactivation; HBsAg+: HBsAg-positive; HBsAg-/anti-HBc+: HBsAg-negative anti-HBc antibodies-positive; HCV: hepatitis C virus; HCQ: hydroxychloroquine: IFX: infliximab; IL-6: interleukin-6; JAK: Janus kinase; LEF: leflunomide; LTBI: latent tuberculosis infection; mAb: monoclonal antibody; MTX: methotrexate; OR: odds ratio; PsA: psoriatic arthritis; PMS: post-marketing surveillance; RA: rheumatoid arthritis; TNF: tumor necrosis factor; TNFi: tumor necrosis factor inhibitor; SCK: secukinumab; SSZ: sulfasalazine; TOZ: tocilizumab; RCT: randomized controlled trial; RR: relative risk; RTX: rituximab; 3HP: 3-month once-weekly isoniazid plus rifapentine; TB: tuberculosis; tsDMARDs: targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs; UTK: ustekinumab; WHO: World Health Organization.