Psoriasis: characterization of six different clinical phenotypes

Effect of the age of onset on epidemiology, clinical features, and comorbidity of geriatric psoriasis

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated chronic, relapsing, inflammatory, systemic disease induced by a combination of genetics and environment. Currently, there are limited reports on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of geriatric psoriatic patients in mainland China. This study analyzed the epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, and comorbidity rates of geriatric patients with psoriasis and evaluated the influence of age of onset on disease characteristics. This retrospective study enrolled 1259 geriatric patients with psoriasis in hospitals affiliated with the National Standardized Psoriasis Diagnosis and Treatment Center in China from September 2011 to July 2020 to analyze the epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, and prevalence of comorbidity in geriatric psoriasis. The cases were classified according to the age of onset into two groups to compare differences: early-onset psoriasis (EOP) and late-onset psoriasis (LOP). The mean age of geriatric patients with psoriasis was 67, with a 1.8:1 male-to-female ratio and 10.7% positive family history. The clinical manifestations of plaque psoriasis accounted for a high proportion (82.0%) and 85.1% of patients had moderate to severe disease. Overweight (27.8%), hypertension (18.0%), joint involvement (15.8%), diabetes (13.7%), and coronary heart disease (4.0%) were the first five common comorbidities. The LOP group had significantly more patients (79.9%) than the EOP group (20.1%). Positive family history was significantly associated with the EOP group (21.7%) than the LOP group (7.9%). The scalp (60.2%) was the most affected area, followed by the nails (25.3%), palmoplantar region (25.0%), and genitals (12.7%). This study analyzed the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of geriatric psoriasis in China and found that age of onset had no effect on disease characteristics or other comorbidities, except for toenail involvement, diabetes, and joint damage.

Psoriasis in the geriatric population: A retrospective study in Asians

There is a paucity of data focusing on geriatric psoriatic patients. The clinical features were different among those with early-onset psoriasis and elderly-onset psoriasis among the geriatric population. From 2014 to 2018, a total of 290 geriatric psoriatic patients were retrospectively enrolled in our study. They were subclassified into two groups, early-onset (aged <60 years, n = 154) and elderly-onset (aged ≥60 years, n = 136). The characteristics and treatment course of these two groups were reviewed. Psoriasis of the elderly-onset group was generally milder than the early-onset groups (P < 0.05). Less nail involvement and arthritis were noted among the elderly-onset group (P < 0.05). There were four cases of erythrodermic psoriasis in the early-onset group and three cases of palmoplantar psoriasis in the elderly-onset group. Oral medication and biologics for treatment of psoriasis appeared to be safe among the geriatric psoriatic patients. Elderly-onset psoriasis has features which are distinct from early-onset psoriasis and may be a particular subtype, which needs further evaluation.

RNA-seq and flow-cytometry of conventional, scalp, and palmoplantar psoriasis reveal shared and distinct molecular pathways

It has long been recognized that anatomic location is an important feature for defining distinct subtypes of plaque psoriasis. However, little is known about the molecular differences between scalp, palmoplantar, and conventional plaque psoriasis. To investigate the molecular heterogeneity of these psoriasis subtypes, we performed RNA-seq and flow cytometry on skin samples from individuals with scalp, palmoplantar, and conventional plaque psoriasis, along with samples from healthy control patients. We performed differential expression analysis and network analysis using weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). Our analysis revealed a core set of 763 differentially expressed genes common to all sub-types of psoriasis. In contrast, we identified 605, 632, and 262 genes uniquely differentially expressed in conventional, scalp, and palmoplantar psoriasis, respectively. WGCNA and pathway analysis revealed biological processes for the core genes as well as subtype-specific genes. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a shared increase in the percentage of CD4+ T regulatory cells in all psoriasis subtypes relative to controls, whereas distinct psoriasis subtypes displayed differences in IL-17A, IFN-gamma, and IL-22 production. This work reveals the molecular heterogeneity of plaque psoriasis and identifies subtype-specific signaling pathways that will aid in the development of therapy that is appropriate for each subtype of plaque psoriasis.

Prevalence of psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational and clinical studies

BACKGROUND

Wide-ranging prevalence estimates of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in patients with psoriasis have been reported.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence and incidence of PsA in patients with psoriasis.

METHODS

Two authors independently searched 3 databases for studies reporting on the prevalence or incidence of PsA in patients with psoriasis. A proportion meta-analysis was performed to calculate the pooled proportion estimates of PsA in patients with psoriasis.

RESULTS

A total of 266 studies examining 976,408 patients with psoriasis were included. Overall, the pooled proportion (95% confidence interval [CI]) of PsA among patients with psoriasis was 19.7% (95% CI, 18.5%-20.9%). In children and adolescents (<18 years of age), the pooled prevalence was 3.3% (95% CI, 2.1%-4.9%). The PsA prevalence was 22.7% (95% CI, 20.6%-25.0%) in European patients with psoriasis, 21.5% (95% CI, 15.4%-28.2%) in South American patients with psoriasis, 19.5% (95% CI, 17.1%-22.1%) in North American patients with psoriasis, 15.5% (95% CI, 0.009%-51.5%) in African patients with psoriasis, and 14.0% (95% CI, 95% CI, 11.7%-16.3%) in Asian patients with psoriasis. The prevalence of PsA was 23.8% (95% CI, 20.1%-27.6%) in studies in which the Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis were applied. The incidence of PsA among patients with psoriasis ranged from 0.27 to 2.7 per 100 person-years.

LIMITATIONS

Between-study heterogeneity may have affected the estimates.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that 1 in 4 patients with psoriasis have PsA. With the growing recognition of the Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis, more homogenous and comparable prevalence estimates are expected to be reported.

Tattooing and psoriasis: demographics, motivations and attitudes, complications, and impact on body image in a series of 90 Finnish patients

INTRODUCTION

Koebner phenomenon (KP) affects up to a third of patients with psoriasis and can occur on tattoos. Little is known about the extent of tattooing and its consequences among psoriatic patients. A survey was conducted to determine the demographics, motivations and attitudes towards tattoos, and complications among tattooed patients with psoriasis, and the impact on their body image.

METHODS

Ninety Finnish patients completed an internet self-reported questionnaire in June 2016.

RESULTS

Fifty-two percent (48/90) had one tattoo or more (mean number of three tattoos, range 1-20). They were younger than non-tattooed patients (p = 0.001). Of these, 27.6% experienced a KP on their tattoos from 1 week to 15 to 20 years after tattooing. Among those, 30% reported an acute flare-up of psoriasis within the first weeks after tattooing. They were more likely to have a history of KP. Less than 7% reported a psoriasis flare-up on another part of the body after tattooing. Eighty-two percent stated that their tattoo(s) had a positive effect on their body image.

CONCLUSION

KP on tattoos is not particularly frequent in patients with psoriasis. Tattooing has a bolstering effect on body image and should not be a contraindication. However, patients need proper counseling before receiving tattoos.

Tattooing and psoriasis: a case series and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Koebner phenomenon (KP) affects from a quarter to a third of the patients with psoriasis and can occur on tattoos MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a case series of seven tattooed patients with an isomorphic response on their tattoos or partial psoriasis patches on their tattoos. We collected the demographic data, the past history of psoriasis, the clinical presentation, and the outcomes. We also performed a review of the literature. We tried to classify the different clinical profile of KP/psoriasis on tattoos accordingly.

RESULTS

Six men and one woman with a median age of 36 ± 6.4 years old were included. Five disclosed a KP in a recent tattoo within days to 1 month after its completion. Fifteen additional cases were collected from the literature (8 men, median age 22 ± 8.2 years old). The delay of psoriasis flare-up after tattooing was rather short, from a few weeks to several months. We found a high variability in the clinical presentation with five clinical subtypes/profiles of psoriasis on tattoos. A possible confusion between "genuine" KP on tattoos and the coincidental occurrence of psoriasis patches on tattoos is possible in some cases of the literature. Patients were mainly managed locally, rarely by systemic treatments or biologics.

CONCLUSION

Koebner phenomenon on tattoos may occur in patients with psoriasis under various forms. The evolution is benign, and psoriasis is not a contraindication for tattooing, but patients need proper counseling before getting tattooed.

Molecular diagnostics of inflammatory disease: New tools and perspectives

This essay reviews current approaches to establish novel molecular diagnostic tools for inflammatory skin diseases. Moreover, it highlights the importance of stratifying patients according to molecular signatures and revising current outdated disease classification systems to eventually reach the goal of personalized medicine.

Prevalence of psoriasis phenotypes among men and women in the USA

BACKGROUND

We present the largest set of US prevalence data for psoriasis to date, obtained from three prospective cohort studies describing validated clinical phenotypes of psoriasis, including novel data about the prevalence of inverse (intertriginous) psoriasis in these groups. Nonplaque psoriasis phenotypes have been largely unmeasured in observational and interventional studies, and this has led to an under-recognition of this aspect of psoriatic disease.

AIM

To describe the prevalence of nonplaque psoriasis phenotypes in a large prospective cohort.

METHODS

We included 3179 women and 646 men in the analysis. Participants in the Nurses Health Study (NHS) and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) with physician-diagnosed psoriasis completed a validated, self-administered questionnaire to assess plaque and nonplaque subsets of psoriasis.

RESULTS

Psoriasis phenotypes were as follows: plaque 55%, scalp 52%, palmar-plantar 14%, nail 23% and inverse 21% in the NHS (n = 1604); plaque 60%, scalp 56%, palmar-plantar 16%, nail 27% and inverse 24% in the second NHS study (NHS II) (n = 1575); and plaque 55%, scalp 45%, palmar-plantar 12%, nail 27% and inverse 30% in the HPFS (n = 646). Scalp, nail, palmar-plantar and inverse disease represent highly prevalent phenotypes of psoriasis in the USA.

CONCLUSION

Scalp, nail, palmar-plantar and inverse disease represent highly prevalent phenotypes of psoriasis.

Psoriasis: Epidemiology, clinical features, co-morbidities, and clinical scoring

On the basis of current evidence derived from hospital-based studies, mostly from North India, the prevalence of psoriasis in adults varies from 0.44 to 2.8%, with a much lower prevalence in children. The peak age at onset in adults is in the third and fourth decade of life, with a slight male preponderance. It is recommended that population-based large epidemiologic studies should be undertaken in different parts of the country for estimating the correct prevalence of psoriasis in general population. Chronic plaque-type psoriasis is the most common morphologic presentation of psoriasis, accounting for more than 90% of all cases. Other morphologic variants that deserve special mention include palmoplantar psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, and recalcitrant psoriasis. For epidemiologic purposes, psoriasis can be classified into early and late onset psoriasis. Psoriasis can be classified on the basis of morphology and extent of involvement into localized and widespread disease. For the purpose of clinical trials, psoriasis may be classified as mild psoriasis, moderate psoriasis, and severe psoriasis. The literature shows that there is a significant risk of psoriatic arthritis (7-48%) in patients with plaque-type psoriasis. Hence, it is recommended to evaluate for its presence by detailed history taking and clinical examination, and if necessary, by appropriate radiological investigations. Evidence on the association between plaque-type psoriasis and cardiovascular disease risk factors and ischemic heart disease isinconsistent. On the basis ofavailable evidence, it is prudent to proactively look for metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, and obesity, especially in patientswith severe psoriasis (Level 1+ evidence based on systematic reviews and meta-analysis). Based on the current evidence, the psoriasis area severity index appears to be the most valid and reproducible clinical severity score in the management of adult patients with plaque-type psoriasis.

Clinical differences between early- and late-onset psoriasis in Thai patients

OBJECTIVES

There is a paucity of data regarding clinical differences between early-onset psoriasis (EOP) and late-onset psoriasis (LOP) in Asian populations. This study aimed to investigate clinical differences between EOP (onset at the age of <40 years) and LOP (onset at the age of ≥40 years) in Thai patients.

METHODS

From 2002 until 2008, staff and residents in the Department of Dermatology, Siriraj Hospital, were asked to complete a questionnaire detailing the age of onset, family history of psoriasis, comorbid diseases, clinical features, nail and joint involvement, and severity of psoriasis in all psoriasis patients. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests.

RESULTS

A total of 1017 patients were enrolled. Of these, 663 (65.2%) patients had EOP and 354 (34.8%) had LOP. The mean ± standard deviation age of onset was 24.8 ± 8.7 years in the EOP group and 51.6 ± 9.6 years in the LOP group. The two most common comorbid diseases were hypertension and diabetes mellitus in both groups. Patients with EOP had a significantly higher likelihood of both a family history of disease and guttate psoriasis. Palmoplantar psoriasis was more commonly found in LOP patients. Nail and joint involvement and disease severity were not associated significantly with age of onset.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study supports the hypothesis that there are clinical differences between EOP and LOP in Asian populations.

Efficacy and safety of systemic methotrexate vs. acitretin in psoriasis patients with significant palmoplantar involvement: a prospective, randomized study

BACKGROUND

Palmoplantar psoriasis (PP) is a chronic, inflammatory and proliferative dermatosis of the palms and/or soles with significant morbidity. It is notoriously difficult to treat and unresponsive to traditional topical agents. MATERIAL AND METHODS  This was a prospective, randomized study involving 111 patients of psoriasis with significant palmoplantar disease. Patients meeting the eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups. Patients in Group I received methotrexate in doses of 0.4 mg/kg weekly, and patients in Group II received acitretin in doses of 0.5 mg/kg daily. Patients were evaluated by modified PPPASI (m-PPPASI) score for palm and sole involvement at baseline, at two weekly intervals for the first 4 weeks and then four weekly for next 8 weeks. Treatment protocol was continued for a period till patient achieved 75% reduction in m-PPPASI from baseline or 12 weeks whichever was earlier.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference in reduction of m-PPPASI of patients on methotrexate at weeks 8 and 12. The mean m-PPPASI at week 8 was 15.38 ± 6.08 in methotrexate group and 17.23 ± 5.25 in acitretin group (P = 0.04). The mean m-PPPASI at week 12 was 10.30 ± 5.97 in methotrexate group and 12.40 ± 5.31 in acitretin group (P = 0.03). Marked improvement (m-PPPASI 75) was achieved in 12 (24%) patients in methotrexate group compared with 4 (8%) in acitretin group which was statistically significant (P = 0.029). Adverse events were generally mild and were seen in 14 patients in methotrexate group and 15 patients in acitretin group (P = 0.080).

CONCLUSION

Methotrexate is relatively inexpensive, safe and efficacious drug for the treatment of psoriasis patients with significant palmoplantar involvement. Acitretin can be used as an alternative therapy and with a good safety profile.

Management of psoriasis in Africa and the Middle East: a review of current opinion, practice and opportunities for improvement

Psoriasis is a common, chronic, systemic, inflammatory disease of the skin that is often associated with inflammatory musculoskeletal disease. Psoriasis impacts on affected individuals and on society at many levels, being associated with considerable economic burden and impaired quality of life. This article aims to provide dermatologists and their allied healthcare professionals, particularly those practicing in Africa and the Middle East, with a review of the current understanding of psoriasis, its treatment and impact, as a backdrop for further discussion of the management of psoriasis in these regions. Insight into the real-life, day-to-day challenges and unmet needs currently facing dermatologists in Africa and the Middle East is provided by the authors, most of whom are experienced dermatologists practicing in this region.

Summary of the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) meeting: a report from the GRAPPA 2009 annual meeting

The International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) organized the second World Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, in June 2009. The 2009 collaborative multidisciplinary meeting attracted nearly 1000 clinicians and investigators from dermatology, rheumatology, basic science, and industry, as well as patients and leaders of patient organizations, from 68 countries. The major theme of the meeting was "Psoriasis - Skin and Beyond," and the primary aim was to highlight the significant effects of psoriasis and related comorbidities on patient function and quality of life. The annual meeting of GRAPPA (Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis) was held concurrently, and several GRAPPA members attended both meetings. Key presentations at IFPA that GRAPPA members believed were highlights of that meeting are summarized here.

The anti-apoptotic protein G1P3 is overexpressed in psoriasis and regulated by the non-coding RNA, PRINS

Psoriasis Susceptibility-Related RNA Gene Induced by Stress (PRINS) is a non-coding RNA overexpressed in lesional and non-lesional psoriatic epidermis and induced by stress. Its function in healthy and psoriatic skin is still not known. Here, we report that PRINS regulates G1P3, a gene with anti-apoptotic effects in keratinocytes. siRNA-mediated inhibition of PRINS gene resulted in altered cell morphology and gene expression alterations, as demonstrated in a microarray experiment. One of the genes regulated by PRINS ncRNA was G1P3, an interferon-inducible gene with anti-apoptotic effects in cancer cells. Interestingly, we found that G1P3 was 400-fold upregulated in hyperproliferative lesional and ninefold upregulated in non-lesional psoriatic epidermis compared to healthy epidermis. In vitro, G1P3 protein levels were highest in proliferating keratinocytes and siRNA-mediated downregulation of G1P3 resulted in increased cell apoptosis. These data indicate that G1P3 inhibits spontaneous keratinocyte apoptosis and hence its high expression in psoriatic skin may contribute to the development of psoriatic lesions. We hypothesize that the deregulation of the PRINS ncRNA may contribute to psoriasis and results in decreased sensitivity to spontaneous keratinocyte apoptosis via the regulation of G1P3.