Therapeutic challenges in managing pediatric psoriasis

Pediatric psoriasis: Understanding pathological conditions and advances in treatment

Psoriasis is a long-lasting skin disease that primarily affects the skin, nails, and joints and is characterized by inflammation. Genetic factors contribute to its development and environmental triggers can worsen symptoms. Pathologically, psoriasis is characterized by uncontrolled keratinocyte proliferation and abnormal differentiation, and histological features include acanthosis with inflammatory cell infiltration and neovascularization. Psoriasis often starts in childhood, with about one-third of cases beginning during this time. Its prevalence steadily increases from the ages of 1 to 18 years in a linear fashion. Young people with psoriasis often require treatment throughout their childhood and adolescence, and into adulthood. However, prolonged treatment may increase the risk of complications and adverse events, so it is important to adopt an effective treatment approach that minimizes this risk. In addition, psoriasis is often associated with various comorbidities that may place a great burden on the physical and mental health of the children beyond those due to psoriasis itself. To ensure good long-term health outcomes, individuals with psoriasis should undergo regular screening. Treatment should be provided not only for skin lesions, but also for any comorbidities; however, currently there is not enough evidence on the treatment of pediatric psoriasis and no globally agreed-on guidelines exist for treating psoriasis in children. This article describes the etiology, clinical symptoms, and disease burden of pediatric psoriasis, the pathological conditions and diagnosis of plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and generalized pustular psoriasis, and the available treatments for these conditions in Japan.

[Recommendations for psoriasis treatment in Pediatrics]

Introduction

in one third of patients with psoriasis, symptoms start during childhood and adolescence, with a strong emotional and psychosocial impact.

Objective

to develop a guideline for the systemic treatment of psoriasis in pediatric patients by means of recommendations based on the best available evidence.

Materials and methods

Sources: articles indexed in PubMed, Epistemonikos, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library and Scielo, published between January 2010 and May 2022, in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Study selection: evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled studies, observational studies (case-control, cohort studies, real-life registries) and evaluations of biosimilar drugs in patients up to and including 17 years of age were considered. The keywords "psoriasis" and "treatment" were used in all three languages. Data extraction: the literature was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) recommendations. Data synthesis: evidence tables were developed and analyzed by the expert committee. The questions for the development of recommendations were based on the PICO system (population, intervention, comparison, outcome).

Results

A total of 8 recommendations and 7 points of good practice were developed. The direction and strength of the recommendations were expressed according to the GRADE system.

Conclusions

the final decision on a specific therapy should be based on the best opinion of the treating physician, the individual characteristics, and the values and preferences of the patients and their caregivers.

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.