Defining and treating moderate plaque psoriasis: a dermatologist survey

Core items to be included in a definition of moderate psoriatic arthritis: literature review and expert opinion

Evidence-based treatment recommendations for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) suggest that treatment should be individualised but acknowledge the difficulty of correctly defining levels of activity (mild, moderate and severe). The aim of this study was to define the parameters or disease characteristics that should be included in a future definition of moderate PsA. Mixed. methods: (1) literature review to identify previous assessment tools used to classify patients into mild, moderate and severe forms, and (2) survey of rheumatologists, and experts in PsA, to obtain their opinion on the degree of validation and applicability of published definitions and tools, and on the parameters that should be included in a future definition of moderate PsA. We propose eight domains/items to be included in a definition of moderate PsA: number of active joints and inflamed entheses, physician global assessment (by visual analogue scale), dactylitis, body surface area (BSA) affected by psoriasis, psoriasis in special locations, and absence of hip involvement. The Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) score would be supported as part of this definition, as would the Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease (PsAID) index. This study proposes a set of items/domains to be included in a definition of moderate PsA based on literature and expert opinion, which can be the starting point for further development and validation studies of the proposed items.

Tildrakizumab-induction therapy followed by as-needed dosing in patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis

This retrospective real-world evidence study investigates the efficacy of as-needed dosing of tildrakizumab in patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis. Patients received the first three standard doses of tildrakizumab, and thereafter used as-needed dosing over the course of 2.5 years, rather than the approved interval of every 12 weeks. Adequate disease control was achieved, reaching a mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index at the end of follow-up of < 1.

Topically applied pH-responsive nanogels for alkyl radical-based therapy against psoriasiform hyperplasia

Phototherapy is a conventional antipsoriatic approach based on oxygen-relevant generation of oxidative stress to inhibit keratinocyte hyperproliferation. However, this therapy can be restricted due to local hypoxia in psoriatic lesions. The generation of alkyl radicals is oxygen-independent and suppresses hyperproliferation. Herein, we established alkyl radical-based therapy to treat psoriatic hyperplasia. Because alkyl radicals are short-lived compounds, we loaded 2,2'-azobis[2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)propane] dihydrochloride (AIPH) as a precursor of alkyl radicals into the chitosan nanogels to improve stability. The present study presented a topically applied nanogel that led to a pH-responsive network sensitive to skin pH. This pH responsiveness of the nanogels allowed fast alkyl radical release in the target site. The physicochemical properties of the prepared nanogels were determined through size, zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy, and absorption spectroscopy. The antipsoriatic activity was examined with keratinocyte- and animal-based studies. The nanogels displayed a smooth and spherical morphology with a hydrodynamic diameter of 215 nm. This size was largely increased as the environmental pH increased to 6. The nanogels heated at 44 °C produced alkyl radicals to induce keratinocyte death through the necrosis pathway. Bioimaging demonstrated that topically applied nanogels could deliver alkyl radicals into the epidermis. This targeting was accompanied by the accumulation of free radicals in the epidermis according to the 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate assay. The imiquimod-stimulated psoriasiform animal model indicated a remarkable reduction in erythema, scaling, and overexpressed cytokines upon topical treatment of the nanogels. The transepidermal water loss of the psoriasiform skin was inhibited from 51.7 to 27.0 g/m2/h, suggesting barrier function recovery by the nanocarriers. The nanogels lowered hyperplasia by decreasing the epidermal thickness from 212 to 89 μm. The incorporation of 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid (HPTS) as a pH-sensitive fluorescence dye in the nanogels could be used to diagnose the severity of the psoriasiform plaque due to the stronger fluorescence of HPTS in skin with lower pH (psoriasiform skin pH = 4.4) than in healthy skin (pH = 4.9). It was possible to deliver the prepared nanogels into the epidermis to restrain hyperplasia without causing cutaneous irritation.

Current knowledge of the implication of lipid mediators in psoriasis

The skin is an organ involved in several biological processes essential to the proper functioning of the organism. One of these essential biological functions of the skin is its barrier function, mediated notably by the lipids of the stratum corneum, and which prevents both penetration from external aggression, and transepidermal water loss. Bioactive lipid mediators derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) constitute a complex bioactive lipid network greatly involved in skin homeostasis. Bioactive lipid mediators derived from n-3 and n-6 PUFAs have well-documented anti- and pro-inflammatory properties and are recognized as playing numerous and complex roles in the behavior of diverse skin diseases, including psoriasis. Psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease with many comorbidities and is associated with enhanced levels of pro-inflammatory lipid mediators. Studies have shown that a high intake of n-3 PUFAs can influence the development and progression of psoriasis, mainly by reducing the severity and frequency of psoriatic plaques. Herein, we provide an overview of the differential effects of n-3 and n-6 PUFA lipid mediators, including prostanoids, hydroxy-fatty acids, leukotrienes, specialized pro-resolving mediators, N-acylethanolamines, monoacylglycerols and endocannabinoids. This review summarizes current findings on lipid mediators playing a role in the skin and their potential as therapeutic targets for psoriatic patients.

Moderate Psoriasis in Clinical Practice: French Expert Consensus Using a Modified Delphi Method

INTRODUCTION

Despite the existence of multiple assessment scores for psoriasis severity, skin disease with limited skin lesions but significant impairment of quality of life can be difficult to classify, leading to under- or overtreatment. Our objective was to obtain consensus on clinical criteria to classify psoriasis severity in French clinical practice, with a focus on moderate disease, using a modified Delphi method.

METHODS

A steering committee (SC) formulated a 22-item questionnaire to classify moderate psoriasis. An independent panel of French dermatologists indicated their level of agreement for each item using a 9-point Likert scale (round 1). Items without a strong consensus were modified and included in round 2. For each item, strong consensus was defined as at least 75% of scores ≥ 7 and median score ≥ 8; good consensus was defined as at least 75% of scores ≥ 7 or median score ≥ 8.

RESULTS

Of 80 dermatologists who agreed to participate, 47 (59%) responded in round 1. All participants from round 1 responded in round 2. Fifteen (68%) items achieved strong consensus and four (18%) achieved good consensus. For psoriasis severity, several clinical dimensions assessed both by the physician (location, symptoms, temporality, previous treatments) and the patient (perception, physical and psychological impairment) obtained consensus. The following were considered sufficient to confirm that psoriasis is at least at a moderate stage: limited involvement but with an impact on patient/family quality of life; involvement of a special area; presence of uncontrolled symptoms (scaling, bleeding, pruritus, insomnia); accumulation of mild intensity symptoms; presence of burdensome onychodystrophy; failure of well-applied topical treatments. There was strong consensus that recognition of moderate psoriasis should lead to reassessment of topical treatments.

CONCLUSION

Our modified Delphi panel suggests detailed criteria to help physicians classify patients with psoriasis which is at least at a moderate stage, which could, in turn, improve treatment in these patients.

Copy Number Variation Analysis of IL22 and LCE3C in Different Subtypes of Psoriasis in a Chinese Han Population

BACKGROUND Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated and hyperproliferative skin disease with both genetic and environmental components. Copy number variations (CNV) of IL22 and LCE3C-LCE3B deletion have been confirmed to be predisposed to psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) in several ethnic groups. However, it remains to be clarified whether CNVs of IL22 and LCE3C are associated with different subtypes of psoriasis (psoriatic arthritis, PsA; erythrodermic psoriasis, EP; and generalized pustular psoriasis, GPP). MATERIAL AND METHODS We enrolled 897 Han Chinese individuals, including 478 patients and 419 healthy controls, and detected CNVs of IL22 and LCE3C using the comparative CT method by real-time PCR, and Pearson's χ² test was used to evaluated the copy number difference among subtypes. RESULTS CNVs of IL22 were significantly higher in PsV than in healthy controls (P<0.001). CNV of LCE3C in PsV, PsA, and GPP groups were significantly lower compared to healthy controls. When linked with clinical parameters, mild psoriasis carried less IL22 copy numbers than that in severe psoriasis (P=0.043). Neither IL22 or LCE3C CNVs were associated with age of onset. CONCLUSIONS CNVs of LCE3C and IL22 might differentially contribute to subtypes of psoriasis. These findings suggest complex and diverse genetic variations in and among different clinical subtypes of psoriasis.

The Use of Metrics in Daily Practice and the Perception of Psoriasis-Associated Comorbidities: Discrepancies Between Research and Real-World

Objective

To assess the feasibility of the future implementation of a recently published Belgian treat-to-target scoring in daily practice, we investigated to what extent Belgian dermatologists use metrics and take comorbidities into account in the follow-up of psoriasis patients.

Methods

Belgian dermatologists were addressed to fill out an online questionnaire in April 2020.

Results

A total of 149 dermatologists completed the survey. About 55% (n = 78) indicated to do a full-body examination during every visit. Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) was the most frequently used clinical score: 25% (n = 35) and 61% (n = 87) indicated to use it every visit or sometimes (>1/year), respectively. The most frequently used patient-reported outcome scoring system was the Dermatology Life Quality Index: 35% use it sometimes. Overall, there is awareness for the association with metabolic syndrome.

Conclusion

Among tools for follow-up on moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients, Belgian dermatologists most frequently apply full-body examination and PASI score. Patient-reported outcome scoring systems are used infrequently. Psoriasis is perceived as a disease with comorbidities beyond the skin, especially obesity and hypertension. These real-world data on the use of clinical scores and PROs indicate a discrepancy from the academic setting in which new drugs are developed and evaluated. Furthermore, these data are imperative to estimate the feasibility of implementing a treat-to-target strategy published earlier by a Belgian expert group.

Beyond-Mild Psoriasis: A Consensus Statement on Calcipotriol and Betamethasone Dipropionate Foam for the Topical Treatment of Adult Patients

Introduction

There are clear treatment options for mild psoriasis where topical therapies are the mainstay, and for severe psoriasis where systemic therapy (biologic or non-biologic) is necessary. However, there is less clarity in the ‘grey zone’ of patients in the moderate or so-called ‘beyond-mild’ segment. There are frequent delays to the initiation, discontinuation, switching and dose change in treatment, and many patients fail to continue treatment because of concerns about safety or lack of efficacy. Treatment with topical therapies, such as calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) combinations, may be suitable for these patients.

Method

These consensus recommendations on the use of topical therapies including Cal/BD foam for beyond-mild psoriasis originated from a modified Delphi process of European clinical experts. In the process, the experts iteratively refined a series of draft statements, which had to receive ≥ 80% approval to be incorporated into the consensus.

Results

The experts identified three main themes: Cal/BD foam as monotherapy, as an add-on to non-biologic systemic therapies and as an add-on to systemic biologics. The consensus emphasises disease factors and patient preference in treatment choice, summarises the evidence base for Cal/BD foam monotherapy for flare treatment as well as long-term management, and identifies the potential for improved treatment outcomes, such as reduced time to onset of action and reduced systemic dose to minimise side effects for add-on Cal/BD therapy to non-biologic systemics. The recommendations regarding add-on Cal/BD foam to biologics are similar to those for non-biologic systemic therapies, but also include suggestions for patients on biologics who are late responders. As clinical choices of Cal/BD combination vary, we have here often used ‘Cal/BD’ without reference to any particular formulation.

Conclusions

These recommendations aim to give practical guidance to those treating patients with beyond-mild psoriasis, to support patients’ use of topical preparations and to optimise treatment outcomes.

A New Classification of the Severity of Psoriasis: What's Moderate Psoriasis?

The purpose of this study is to propose a ranking system for the severity of psoriasis. The consensus method of selecting the indices to include and the classification of real patient profiles by an expert panel to create a gold standard of severity were used. The performance of potential cut-offs was evaluated to create a ranking algorithm. The combined use of PASI, BSA, and sPGA may allow the classification of the severity of psoriatic patients. The final algorithm identifies severe patients in a single step (2 out 3 are met: PASI ≥ 11 or BSA ≥ 10 or sPGA ≥ 3), while two steps are required for mild ((2 out 3 are met: PASI ≤ 3 or BSA ≤ 5 or sPGA ≤ 2) and DLQI < 5) and moderate forms (the patient does not meet 2 out 3 (PASI ≥ 11 or BSA ≥ 10 or sPGA ≥ 3) but has a DLQI ≥ 5. A ranking algorithm is presented, consisting of different measures of disease which classifies psoriatic patients into three categories: mild, moderate, and severe.

Real-World Experience Using Topical Therapy-Calcipotriol and Betamethasone Dipropionate Foam in Adults with Beyond-Mild Psoriasis

Introduction

Determining optimal treatment for moderate plaque psoriasis can be challenging. Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) foam in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Methods

This research explored the use of Cal/BD foam in patients with beyond-mild psoriasis (defined as patients eligible for topical treatment, systemic treatment, or combined topical/systemic treatments) using an online questionnaire, retrospective medical-record review, and by capturing the attitudes and treatment approaches of dermatology specialists.

Results

Data from 409 patients with beyond-mild psoriasis treated with Cal/BD foam were provided by 120 dermatology specialists from Germany, Spain, and the UK. Cal/BD foam was prescribed as monotherapy for most (58%) patients and was considered to be effective. Cal/BD foam was infrequently used in combination with biologics (7%) in this segment; 26% of patients received Cal/BD foam in combination with a non-biologic systemic treatment. Cal/BD foam prescribers generally use topical agents to bridge the waiting time to non-biologic/biologic systemic treatment, and as an add-on to systemic treatment for residual lesions.

Conclusions

In patients with beyond-mild psoriasis, the most commonly prescribed topical medication was Cal/BD foam, which was regarded as an effective treatment. Further research is needed to determine optimal use of Cal/BD foam in these patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13555-021-00501-3.

Gaps in moderate plaque psoriasis management: A survey of Saudi dermatologists

Background:

There are many barriers that usually lead to under-treatment of moderate psoriasis patients, with subsequent unsatisfactory results and clinical outcomes.

Objective:

Given this lack of consistent guidelines on treating moderate plaque psoriasis patients, the aim of the current study is to define how Saudi dermatologists define and treat such cases in the real-world clinical setting.

Methods:

We conducted an online cross-sectional survey from May 2020 to October 2020, involving all eligible dermatologists working at different academic, governmental, and private sectors in Saudi Arabia.

Results:

Finally, a total of 260 dermatologists were included in the final analysis; out of them, 140 (53.8%) were males and 120 (46.2%) were females. Regarding the tools used by participating dermatologists for diagnosis of moderate psoriasis, most of the participants (86.5%) used Body Surface Area (BSA), 7.3% used Physician Global Assessment (PGA), and 6.2% used Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Cutoff scores for defining moderate psoriasis varied widely among surveyed dermatologists. The surveyed dermatologists reported that 46% of their patients with moderate plaque psoriasis were receiving biologics as their primary therapy, while 24.1% were receiving prescription topical treatment, 20.3% were receiving an oral systemic therapy, 4.9% were using over-the-counter topical treatment, and 4.7% were receiving phototherapy.

Conclusion:

There is a pervasive lack of consensus regarding the definition of moderate psoriasis, with reported wide ranges among the commonly used severity tools in psoriasis patients.

Psoriasis severity: commonly used clinical thresholds may not adequately convey patient impact

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis severity is usually evaluated using quantitative and qualitative measures, including per cent body surface area (BSA) involvement, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), a patient-reported questionnaire. However, standardized definitions for psoriasis severity categories have not been well established. A PASI of 10 or 12 has remained the minimal severity threshold defining eligibility for psoriasis treatments. In the present study, the validity of this cut-off was re-evaluated in the context of quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the thresholds commonly used to define moderate psoriasis (PASI of 10-12 and BSA of 10) are supported by patient-reported DLQI data.

METHODS

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials that enrolled mild or moderate patients published between January 2000 and June 2017 was used to assess correlations between provider and patient-generated severity at baseline.

RESULTS

For subject groups with high impact on quality of life (DLQI > 10), the mean weighted BSA was 7.6 (Range: 7.1-8.4) and the mean weighted DLQI was 11 (Range: 10.2-12.2). Similarly, the mean weighted PASI for patients with DLQI > 10 was 8.7 (Range: 7.1-10.1) and the mean weighted DLQI was 10.9 (Range: 10.1-12.2).

CONCLUSION

Patients with PASI or BSA scores less than 10 can have major quality of life impairment. In general, the objective measures of BSA and PASI alone, when excluding DLQI, may not fully capture the impact of disease severity.

Cardiovascular risk in patients with plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis without a clinically overt cardiovascular disease: the role of endothelial progenitor cells

Psoriasis is an autoimmune, chronic disease determined by environmental and genetic factors. The occurrence of psoriasis is accompanied by metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and depression, disturbances on interpersonal interactions and a tendency towards social isolation. Regardless of the form of psoriasis and the severity of the disease, early arterial lesions are recorded in arterial vessels of patients. Nevertheless, the chance of CVD is higher in the population of patients with severe psoriasis than in patients with mild to moderate psoriasis. The correlation between the presence of atherosclerotic plaque and psoriatic plaque is partially explained by: (1) a similar inflammatory pathway – via the T helper cells, (2) impaired angiogenesis, and (3) endothelial dysfunction. In the considered tests, the diagnostic tools used showed a reduced level of endothelial progenitor cells in the circulation of patients with psoriasis. Endogenous angiopoietin stimulation in patients with psoriasis leads to deterioration of endothelial regeneration, atherosclerosis which secondarily contributes to the progression of heart failure. Clinical and experimental data confirm the potential of immunomodulatory methods to combat both autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases through the use of immunosuppressive drugs. Full understanding of the way in which CVD develops in patients with autoimmune diseases would enable the implementation of targeted cell therapy allowing the quality and life expectancy of patients to be improved. Modern cellular diagnostic tools allow the use of highly specific biomarkers, which in the near future will enable a reduction in morbidity and mortality due to CVD.

Definition of minimal disease activity in psoriasis

OBJECTIVE

To generate an operational definition to adequately reflect the construct 'Minimal Disease Activity (MDA)' in psoriasis.

METHODS

A systematic review of domains included in clinical trials of psoriasis was presented to a panel of dermatologists and patients. Further domains were elicited by panel discussions. Domains (and instruments measuring these) were items of two consecutive Delphi rounds targeting dermatologists from the Psoriasis Group of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and patients from the Acción Psoriasis association. The instruments selected were used to generate 388 patient vignettes. The expert group then classified these vignettes as 'No MDA/MDA/Unclassifiable'. The items were further reduced by factorial analysis. Using the classification variable as gold standard, several operational constructions were tested in regression models and ROC curves and accuracy was evaluated with area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

The following domains were included: itching, scaling, erythema and visibility by 0-10 scales, extension by BSA, impact on quality of life by DLQI, special location and presence of arthritis as yes/no. The definition with the highest AUC and best balance between sensitivity and specificity was the one including no presence of arthritis plus at least three others below the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval (AUC, 0.897; sensitivity, 95.2%, specificity, 84.1%).

CONCLUSION

This study provides, for the very first time, the construct of 'Minimal Disease Activity' in psoriasis as agreed by dermatologists and patients. MDA is defined as absence of active arthritis plus 3 out of 6: itching ≤ 1/10; scaling ≤ 2/10; redness ≤ 2/10; visibility ≤ 2/10; BSA ≤ 2; DLQI ≤ 2; and no lesions in special locations. By design, domains are representative of disease impact. This MDA definition may be used as a measure of adequate management and replace other subjective or restrictive tools.

The evaluation of efficacy and safety of methotrexate and pioglitazone in psoriasis patients: A randomized, open-labeled, active-controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease showing co-existence with metabolic syndrome (MS), as has been confirmed by numerous epidemiologic studies in recent times. In this study, the aim was to ascertain the beneficial effects of pioglitazone in psoriasis, simultaneously targeting the improvement of MS parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective randomized open-labeled parallel-group interventional study in patients of moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis. A total of 90 patients were inducted in study and divided into three groups of standard treatment (methotrexate 7.5 mg/week for 12 weeks), active treatment (pioglitazone 15 mg tablets once daily for 12 weeks), and their combination. Primary outcome was taken as percentage Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) improvement from baseline; secondary outcomes were PASI-75, safety profile, and MS parameters.

RESULTS

Intergroup evaluation of PASI score showed that standard treatment methotrexate and active treatment pioglitazone were comparable. Combination of methotrexate and pioglitazone proved superior in efficacy from both standard and active treatment in 8 and 12 weeks. Adverse drug reactions were mild and treated symptomatically. Pioglitazone and combination group also demonstrated beneficial efficacy in parameter of MS hence establishing it as a potential therapy in psoriasis with MS.

CONCLUSIONS

Pioglitazone alone or in combination with standard treatment may be a safe alternative drug for psoriasis coexisting with MS proving beneficial for both.

Cost per PASI-75 responder of calcipotriol plus betamethasone dipropionate cutaneous foam versus nonbiologic systemic therapies for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in seven European countries

Purpose: To compare the short-term cost and effectiveness of calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) cutaneous foam against nonbiologic systemics in psoriasis patients for whom oral systemic or topical therapy is considered appropriate in seven European countries.Methods: Matching-adjusted indirect comparisons of four-week PASI-75 responses of Cal/BD foam were performed versus 12-week responses of methotrexate, acitretin, fumaric acid esters (FAE) and 16-week responses of apremilast. Analyses took a payer perspective and included drug, physician visit and monitoring costs.Results: In all countries, Cal/BD foam generated the lowest cost per responder (CPR). Against methotrexate, apremilast and acitretin, Cal/BD foam generated response for less than €190 in Italy, €195 in Portugal, €216 in Greece, £218 in the United Kingdom, €250 in Belgium, €319 in Spain, and €359 in the Netherlands. Relative to treatment with FAE, Cal/BD foam resulted in response for less than €298, €430, €382 and £262 in Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom, respectively. For Cal/BD foam, apremilast and FAE, total costs were driven by drug costs; for methotrexate and acitretin, by monitoring.Conclusions: Driven by its lower costs and high response rates, Cal/BD foam is likely to be a cost-effective option over the short-term in the investigated psoriasis population.

The Use of Apremilast in Psoriasis: A Delphi Study

BACKGROUND

Experience in the use of apremilast in clinical practice complements the information available from pivotal clinical trials.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Following a review of the literature, a panel of dermatologists with expertise in the management of psoriasis considered 5 scenarios in which the evidence supporting the use of apremilast to treat moderate psoriasis is insufficient or controversial. These scenarios were then assessed using a Delphi questionnaire.

RESULTS

Consensus was reached on 96 (67%) of the 143 items (positive in 85 and negative in 11). The therapeutic goal for apremilast should be based on 4 outcomes: clinical response, symptoms, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. The scenario in which the use of apremilast was considered to have the greatest possibility of success was in patients with stable moderate psoriasis. Most of the clinicians considered apremilast to be an appropriate treatment when conventional therapies fail or are contraindicated, preferably before the prescription of biologic therapy. Consensus was reached that apremilast is an appropriate treatment for psoriasis in difficult locations, such as the scalp or the palms and soles. It was also agreed that apremilast requires less prescreening and monitoring than other conventional and biologic systemic therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

Apremilast could be a treatment option for patients with a different profile to that of clinical trial participants. The limitations of this proposal are the absence of consensus on the definition of moderate psoriasis, the lack of real-world evidence on the use of apremilast, and certain aspects related to tolerability.

Recategorization of psoriasis severity: Delphi consensus from the International Psoriasis Council

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis severity categories have been important tools for clinicians to use in treatment decisions as well as to determine eligibility criteria for clinical studies. However, owing to the heterogeneity of severity classifications and their lack of consideration for the impact of psoriasis involvement of special areas or past treatment history, patients may be miscategorized, which can lead to undertreatment of psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a consensus statement on the classification of psoriasis severity.

METHODS

A modified Delphi approach was developed by the International Psoriasis Council to define psoriasis severity.

RESULTS

After completion of the exercise, 7 severity definitions were preferentially ranked. This most preferred statement rejects the mild, moderate, and severe categories in favor of a dichotomous definition: Psoriasis patients should be classified as either candidates for topical therapy or candidates for systemic therapy; the latter are patients who meet at least one of the following criteria: (1) body surface area >10%, (2) disease involving special areas, and (3) failure of topical therapy.

LIMITATIONS

This effort might have suffered from a lack of representation by all relevant stakeholders, including patients.

CONCLUSION

The consensus statement describes 2 categories of psoriasis severity, while accounting for special circumstances where patients may require systemic therapy.

A Survey of Treatment Practices in Management of Psoriasis Patients among Dermatologists of Kerala

Introduction:

The management of psoriasis is a daily challenge for dermatologists as most patients present with varied morphological presentations and exacerbations at every visit. This exerts a heightened responsibility on the dermatologists to tailor their treatments according to each patient.

Aims:

This study was conducted to assess the variation in treatment practices in the management of psoriasis patients among dermatologists of Kerala.

Materials and Methods:

A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among the practicing dermatologists of Kerala, South India.

Conclusions:

At the end of this questionnaire-based study, we concluded that there is a wide variation in the treatment practices among practicing dermatologists of Kerala. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) is not assessed by majority of dermatologists while planning treatment. Most dermatologists rely on body surface area while planning treatment due to time constraints and did not perform PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) or PGA (Physician Global Assessment) scoring. Satisfaction and challenges related to current therapies also impact treatment rates. Our dermatologists adhered to their own individual guidelines while treating and expressed a dire need for a unified guideline.