What do we know about palmoplantar pustulosis?

Efficacy and Safety of Brodalumab, an Anti-interleukin-17 Receptor A Monoclonal Antibody, for Palmoplantar Pustulosis: 16-Week Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP), a refractory skin disease characterized by repeated eruptions of sterile pustules and vesicles on palms and/or soles, involves interleukin-17 pathway activation. Brodalumab, a fully human anti-interleukin-17 receptor A monoclonal antibody, is being investigated for use in PPP treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of brodalumab in Japanese PPP patients with moderate or severe pustules/vesicles.

METHODS

A phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted between July 2019 and August 2022, at 41 centers in Japan. Patients aged 18-70 years with a diagnosis of PPP for ≥ 24 weeks, a PPP Area Severity Index (PPPASI) score of ≥ 12, a PPPASI subscore of pustules/vesicles of ≥ 2, and inadequate response to therapy were included. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive brodalumab 210 mg or placebo, subcutaneously (SC) at baseline, weeks 1 and 2, and every 2 weeks (Q2W) thereafter until week 16. Changes from baseline to week 16 in the PPPASI total score (primary endpoint) and other secondary skin-related endpoints and safety endpoints were assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 126 randomized patients, 50 of 63 in the brodalumab group and 62 of 63 in the placebo group completed the 16-week period. Reasons for discontinuation were adverse event (n = 6), withdrawal by patient/parent/guardian (n = 3), progressive disease (n = 3), and lost to follow-up (n = 1) in the brodalumab group and Good Clinical Practice deviation (n = 1) in the placebo group. Change from baseline in the PPPASI total score at week 16 was significantly higher (p = 0.0049) with brodalumab (least-squares mean [95% confidence interval {CI}] 13.73 [10.91-16.56]) versus placebo (8.45 [5.76-11.13]; difference [95% CI] 5.29 [1.64-8.94]). At week 16, brodalumab showed a trend of rapid improvement versus placebo for PPPASI-50/75/90 response (≥ 50%/75%/90% improvement from baseline) and Physician's Global Assessment 0/1 score: 54% versus 24.2%, 36.0% versus 8.1%, 16.0% versus 0.0%, and 32.0% versus 9.7%, respectively. Infection was the dominant treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE); the commonly reported TEAEs were otitis externa (25.4%/1.6%), folliculitis (15.9%/3.2%), nasopharyngitis (14.3%/4.8%), and eczema (14.3%/12.9%) in the brodalumab/placebo groups, respectively. The severity of most TEAEs reported was Grade 1 or 2 and less frequently Grade ≥ 3.

CONCLUSIONS

Brodalumab SC 210 mg Q2W demonstrated efficacy in Japanese PPP patients. The most common TEAEs were mild infectious events.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04061252 (Date of Trial Registration: August 19, 2019).

Associations of inflammatory cytokines with palmoplantar pustulosis: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

Background

Variations in circulatory cytokine levels have been observed during the onset and course of palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP); however, whether these changes are due to etiological or secondary factors is unclear. To clarify the causal relationship, we conducted a summarized-level bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis in this study.

Methods

A FinnGen biobank genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 212,766 individuals (524 PPP patients and 212,242 controls) provided summary data for PPP, whereas genetic instrumental variables (IVs) linked to circulation cytokine levels were gathered from a GWAS of 14,824 European individuals. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW), weighted median (WME), simple mode, and MR-Egger methods were used to ascertain the changes in PPP pathogenic cytokine taxa. Sensitivity analysis, which included horizontal pleiotropy analysis, was then conducted. The reliability of the results was assessed using the leave-one-out approach and the MR Steiger test, which evaluated the strength of a causal relationship. To evaluate the reverse causality between PPP and circulating cytokine levels, a reverse MR analysis was carried out.

Results

Our study demonstrated positive associations between C-X-C motif chemokine 6 (CXCL6) and PPP (odds ratio, OR 1.257, 95%CI: 1.001-1.570, p = 0.043). C-C motif chemokine 19 (CCL19) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were suggested to be protectively associated with the development of PPP (OR: 0.698,95% CI: 0.516-0.944, p = 0.020; OR: 0.656, 95%CI:0.437-0.985, p = 0.042). The results were steady after sensitivity and heterogeneity analyses.

Conclusion

At the genetic prediction level, we identified causally connected inflammation-related variables that contributed to the onset and development of PPP. The therapeutic options for some refractory PPP have expanded due to tailored cytokine therapy, generating fresh concepts for PPP diagnostics and mechanism investigation.

Treatment Patterns and Negative Health Outcomes in Palmoplantar Pustulosis Patients in Germany and the US

INTRODUCTION

Limited information exists on the epidemiology, treatment, and burden of palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) and defining the optimal course of treatment remains challenging without approved targeted treatments in most countries. Here, we describe the clinical and demographic characteristics, treatments received, and negative health outcomes experienced among patients with PPP in the United States (US) and Germany.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study between 2016 and 2021 using data from the US Merative™ MarketScan® Research Database and IQVIA™ German Disease Analyzer. Adult patients with PPP (ICD-10-CM L40.3) were followed from the date of their first qualifying PPP diagnosis and continued until the earlier of disenrollment or end date of database, during which treatment patterns and incidence rates of negative health outcomes were assessed. Treatment patterns included adherence, non-persistence, discontinuation, re-initiation, switching, and combination therapy.

RESULTS

The prevalence of PPP was 0.005% and 0.065% in the MarketScan database and German Disease Analyzer, respectively, with 1629 and 3866 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. Most patients were female (71.3%, 67.8%), with mean (SD) age of 54.1 (11.7) and 56.9 (14.3) years, respectively. One year post index, most patients received topical treatment (77.4%, 65.3%), but non-persistence and discontinuation were high. Oral and biologic treatments displayed higher levels of adherence, particularly apremilast and tofacitinib among oral treatments and TNF inhibitors and IL-23 inhibitors among biologics. Rates of negative health outcomes were higher among patients not receiving treatment post-index compared with those receiving treatment post-index across both databases, regardless of prior treatment history.

CONCLUSIONS

Establishing treatment guidelines remains an unmet need for patients with PPP and could improve quality of life by reducing the occurrence of negative health outcomes. The findings from this study may provide insight into the effectiveness of current treatment options for patients with PPP and can be leveraged to support the development of treatment guidelines.

Optimal treatments and outcome measures of palmoplantar pustulosis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis-based comparison of treatment efficacy

Few studies have made direct comparisons between treatments for palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP); therefore, it is difficult to select the best treatment for each patient. To determine the best therapy and to compare reported measures of efficacy in clinical trials of systemic treatments for PPP in this systematic review and network meta-analysis. Six databases were used to perform database search on 10 July 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified through a systematic literature search. The titles and abstracts of articles were initially screened for inclusion by two authors independently using our predetermined criteria. The full texts of selected articles were then independently assessed for inclusion in a blinded fashion. Disagreement between the authors was resolved by consensus. Data were abstracted in duplicate. Random-effects model was accepted to perform network meta-analysis. Assessed Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation certainty of evidence were performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The analysis was completed in July 2022. The primary outcome was the change of PPP Area and Severity Index (PPPASI) from baseline and the secondary outcome was the achievement of PPPASI-50 response. Seven RCTs with 567 patients were included. Guselkumab 100 mg was the one with the highest probability of reaching the proposed outcomes (mean difference [MD], -8.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.88-11.11), while the achievement of PPPASI-50 response did not show a significant difference (odds ratio [OR], 3.79; 95% CI, 0.51-28.37). Guselkumab 200 mg was next to 100 mg of reaching the proposed outcomes (MD, -4.71; 95% CI, 2.12-7.30), while the achievement of PPPASI-50 response did not show a significant difference (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 0.48-11.43). Network meta-analysis showed guselkumab 100 mg was the treatment with the highest probability of reaching both PPPASI and PPPASI-50 outcomes. Absolute PPPASI may be more appropriate as an outcome than PPPASI-50.

The Epidemiology of Palmoplantar Pustulosis: An Analysis of Multiple Health Insurance Claims and Electronic Health Records Databases

BACKGROUND

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by sterile pustules on the palms and soles. This study evaluated the epidemiology of PPP using claims and electronic health record (EHR) databases.

METHODS

Patients coded for PPP in the United States (US) and Japan from 2016 to 2020 were identified. Several PPP definitions were evaluated; the specific definition (≥ 2 visits coded for PPP, the second 31-730 days after diagnosis) was chosen for characterizing PPP epidemiology. Baseline characteristics and pre- and post-diagnosis treatments were summarized. Prevalence and incidence rates were analyzed by calendar year, sex, age, and database.

RESULTS

Prevalence and incidence of PPP were higher in Japan than the US. PPP prevalence increased over time. PPP occurred predominantly in adulthood and was more common among women. Features of metabolic syndromes, anxiety, and depression were more common among US PPP patients. Consistently high baseline use of anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory/anti-rheumatic, and obstructive airway disease treatments was observed among PPP patients. Potential miscoding or misclassification of PPP limited this analysis. Prevalence estimates from databases may differ from field- and population-based approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

The burden of PPP was greater in Japan than in the US. Additional studies are needed to further elucidate PPP epidemiology worldwide.

Characteristics and Burdens of Disease in Patients from Beijing with Generalized Pustular Psoriasis and Palmoplantar Pustulosis: Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study Using a Regional Database

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Pustular psoriasis is a chronic and recurrent autoimmune disease, although little is known about the disease burden of pustular psoriasis in China. We analyzed the characteristics and disease burdens of patients from Beijing who had generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) or palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP).

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective cohort study used a regional electronic health database that covered 30 public hospitals in Beijing. From June 2016 to June 2021, all patients with a diagnosis of GPP, PPP, or psoriasis vulgaris (PV) were identified by International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision codes. The GPP and PPP cohorts were separately matched with patients with PV in a 3:1 ratio for comparisons. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, healthcare resource utilization, and costs were collected. Descriptive and comparative analyses were used to compare the cohorts.

RESULTS

There were 744 patients with GPP (46.8% men; age 42.14 ± 21.47 years) and 4808 patients with PPP (35.5% men; age 51.65 ± 16.12 years); 14.5% of patients with GPP had concomitant PV and 7.5% of patients with PPP had concomitant PV. Relative to matched patients with PV, patients with GPP had a higher prevalence of erythrodermic psoriasis (5.9% vs 0.4%, p < 0.0001), psoriatic arthritis (3.1% vs 1.5%, p = 0.007), and organ failure (1.1% vs 0.2%, p = 0.002). Relative to matched patients with PV, patients with PPP had a higher prevalence of cerebrovascular disease (4.7% vs 1.2%, p < 0.0001), thyroid dysfunction (3.9% vs 3.3%, p = 0.035), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (6.8% vs 5.9%, p = 0.030). More patients with GPP than patients with PV received systemic non-biological agents (27.9% vs 3.3%, p < 0.0001) and biologic agents (4.8% vs 2.0%, p = 0.010). More patients with PPP than patients with PV received topical agents (50.9% vs 34.7%, p < 0.0001) and systemic non-biological agents (17.8% vs 2.7%, p < 0.0001). More patients with GPP than patients with PV required inpatient hospitalization (22.0% vs 7.8%, p < 0.0001). Hospitalization stay was longer in patients with GPP than patients with PV (11.72 ± 0.45 vs 10.38 ± 0.45 days, p = 0.022). More patients with PPP than patients with PV had emergency visits (16.3% vs 12.8%, p < 0.0001). The GPP and PPP cohorts and their matched PV cohorts had no significant differences in costs. However, patients with PPP had lower outpatient costs than patients with PV (368.20 ± 8.19 vs 445.38 ± 5.90 Chinese Yuan per patient per month, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients from Beijing with GPP and PPP had higher disease burdens than matched PV cohorts, including the prevalence of comorbidities, healthcare resource utilization, and medication burden. However, the economic burden of pustular psoriasis was similar to that of PV. Practical and specific therapies are needed to reduce the burdens of pustular psoriasis.

Palmoplantar Pustulosis has a Greater Disease Burden than Plaque Psoriasis: Real-World Evidence From the CorEvitas Psoriasis Registry

Background

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a rare skin disease characterized by episodes of neutrophilic pustules on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Current treatments for PPP have limited efficacy, and there is little real-world evidence characterizing the disease burden of PPP in patients.

Objective

To describe and compare the clinical characteristics and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of patients with PPP with those of patients with plaque psoriasis.

Methods

This real-world study used data from patients with PPP or plaque psoriasis enrolled in the CorEvitas Psoriasis Registry. Disease characteristics, historical medical data, PROs, and quality-of-life measures were compared between patients with PPP and those with plaque psoriasis. These measures were also compared following patient stratification by body surface area involvement or Psoriasis Area and Severity Index. This study is purely descriptive; no hypothesis testing was performed.

Results

In this data set, patients with PPP (n = 64) reported higher mean overall pain, using the visual analog scale, relative to those with plaque psoriasis (n = 4894). Patients with PPP also reported a greater proportion of work hours missed or affected; greater impairment of work; and greater impairment of daily activity than patients with plaque psoriasis. Similar effects were observed irrespective of patient stratification.

Conclusion

Generally, PPP was associated with worse PROs and a greater impact on quality of life compared with plaque psoriasis. These findings highlight a need to develop effective therapies for PPP to improve disease management.

Comparison of the Inflammatory Circuits in Psoriasis Vulgaris, Non‒Pustular Palmoplantar Psoriasis, and Palmoplantar Pustular Psoriasis

Palmoplantar pustular psoriasis (PPPP) and non‒pustular palmoplantar psoriasis (NPPP) are localized, debilitating forms of psoriasis. The inflammatory circuits involved in PPPP and NPPP are not well-understood. To compare the cellular and immunological features that differentiate PPPP and NPPP, skin biopsies were collected from a total of 30 participants with PPPP, NPPP, and psoriasis vulgaris (PV) and from 10 healthy participants. A subset consented to a second biopsy after 3 additional weeks off medication. Histologic staining of lesional and nonlesional skin showed higher neutrophil counts in PPPP than in NPPP and PV and higher CD8⁺ T-cell counts in NPPP. RNA sequencing and transcriptional analysis of skin biopsies showed enhanced IFN-γ pathway activation in NPPP lesions but stronger signatures of IL-17 pathway and neutrophil-related genes (e.g., IL36A) in PPPP lesional skin. Serum analysis on the Olink platform detected higher concentrations of T helper type 1, IFN-γ‒inducible chemokines in NPPP, and higher neutrophil-associated cytokines in PPPP. Taken together, this evidence suggests more pronounced T helper 1‒mediated inflammation in NPPP than in PV and PPPP and stronger neutrophil-associated activity in PPPP than in NPPP and PV. These data support targeting inflammatory pathways associated with neutrophilic inflammation (e.g., IL-36 signaling) for therapeutic development in PPPP.

Pathogenesis, multi-omics research, and clinical treatment of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease involving interactions between keratinocytes and immune cells that significantly affects the quality of life. It is characterized by hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes and excessive infiltration of immune cells in the dermis and epidermis. The immune mechanism underlying this disease has been elucidated in the past few years. Research shows that psoriasis is regulated by the complex interactions among immune cells, such as keratinocytes, dendritic cells, T lymphocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, natural killer cells, mast cells, and other immune cells. An increasing number of signaling pathways have been found to be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, which has prompted the search for new treatment targets. In the past decades, studies on the pathogenesis of psoriasis have focused on the development of targeted and highly effective therapies. In this review, we have discussed the relationship between various types of immune cells and psoriasis and summarized the major signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, including the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK-STAT, JNK, and WNT pathways. In addition, we have discussed the results of the latest omics research on psoriasis and the epigenetics of the disease, which provide insights regarding its pathogenesis and therapeutic prospects; we have also summarized its treatment strategies and observations of clinical trials. In this paper, the various aspects of psoriasis are described in detail, and the limitations of the current treatment methods are emphasized. It is necessary to improve and innovate treatment methods from the molecular level of pathogenesis, and further provide new ideas for the treatment and research of psoriasis.

Clinical characteristics of pustulotic arthro-osteitis in Korea

Pustulotic arthro-osteitis (PAO) has been studied primarily in Japan. However, there is a lack of research regarding its clinical features among large populations in other countries and it is often believed to be similar to psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Although the association between psoriasis (PsO) and palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is debatable, differences in the clinical characteristics between PsA and PAO might support the notion that PsO and PPP are distinct entities. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of PAO in Korean patients and to compare them with those of PsA. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with PPP, PAO, and PsA. Among 266 patients with PPP, 13.2% had PAO. Unlike Japanese patients with PAO, Korean patients had a relatively lower involvement of the chest wall. PAO patients demonstrated lower age of onset, higher proportion of females, and higher severity of cutaneous eruptions compared to PPP patients without PAO, but the differences were not statistically significant. Female predominance was prominent in PAO compared to PsA. Cutaneous eruptions occurred earlier than joint symptoms in 83.5% of the patients with PsA and in 42.9% of the patients with PAO. PAO involved axial joints more frequently compared to PsA, especially the chest wall and spine. PsA mainly involved the peripheral joints, especially the metacarpophalangeal joints and distal interphalangeal joints of the hands and feet. In conclusion, PAO and PsA exhibited different demographics and locations of joint involvement, supporting the notion that PPP and PsO are separate disorders. Many PAO patients presented with joint symptoms before the appearance of skin eruptions, underlining the important role of dermatologists in recognizing PAO among PPP patients. Physicians should be aware of the characteristics of PAO while treating patients with PPP.

Risks of Comorbidities in Patients With Palmoplantar Pustulosis vs Patients With Psoriasis Vulgaris or Pompholyx in Korea

Importance

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) has been reported to be accompanied by systemic conditions. However, the risks of comorbidities in patients with PPP have rarely been evaluated.

Objective

To assess the risks of comorbidities in patients with PPP compared with patients with psoriasis vulgaris or pompholyx.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This nationwide population-based cross-sectional study used data from the Korean National Health Insurance database and the National Health Screening Program collected from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019. Data were analyzed from July 1, 2020, to October 31, 2021. Korean patients diagnosed with PPP, psoriasis vulgaris, or pompholyx who visited a dermatologist between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019, were enrolled.

Exposures

Presence of PPP.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The risks of comorbidities among patients with PPP vs patients with psoriasis vulgaris or pompholyx were evaluated using a multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

A total of 37 399 patients with PPP (mean [SD] age, 48.98 [17.20] years; 51.7% female), 332 279 patients with psoriasis vulgaris (mean [SD] age, 47.29 [18.34] years; 58.7% male), and 365 415 patients with pompholyx (mean [SD] age, 40.92 [17.63] years; 57.4% female) were included in the analyses. Compared with patients with pompholyx, those with PPP had significantly higher risks of developing psoriasis vulgaris (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 72.96; 95% CI, 68.19-78.05; P < .001), psoriatic arthritis (aOR, 8.06; 95% CI, 6.55-9.92; P < .001), ankylosing spondylitis (aOR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.61-2.27; P < .001), type 1 diabetes (aOR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.16-1.52; P < .001), type 2 diabetes (aOR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.29-1.38; P < .001), Graves disease (aOR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.11-1.42; P < .001), Crohn disease (aOR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.11-2.40; P = .01), and vitiligo (aOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.65-2.12; P < .001) after adjusting for demographic covariates. The risks of ankylosing spondylitis (aOR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.16-1.62; P < .001) and Graves disease (aOR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.23-1.58; P < .001) were significantly higher among patients with PPP vs psoriasis vulgaris. However, the risks of psoriatic arthritis (aOR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.47-0.63; P < .001), systemic lupus erythematosus (aOR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.46-0.97; P = .04), Sjögren syndrome (aOR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.50-0.96; P = .03), systemic sclerosis (aOR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.11-0.77; P = .01), vitiligo (aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.47-0.60; P < .001), and alopecia areata (aOR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.81-0.95; P = .001) were significantly lower among those with PPP vs psoriasis vulgaris.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this cross-sectional study suggest that patients with PPP have an overlapping comorbidity profile with patients with psoriasis vulgaris but not patients with pompholyx. However, the risks of comorbidities among patients with PPP may be substantially different from those among patients with psoriasis vulgaris.

Severe de novo pustular psoriasiform immune-related adverse event associated with nivolumab treatment for metastatic esophageal adenocarcinoma

Breakthrough targeted therapies have produced significant improvements in survival for cancer patients, but have a propensity to cause cutaneous immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Psoriasiform irAEs, representing about 4% of dermatologic toxicities associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, are usually mild, occur in older patients and present as an exacerbation of existing psoriasis after several doses of ICI therapy. We report a case of a 58-year-old woman with metastatic esophageal adenocarcinoma and no prior history of psoriasis who developed a pustular psoriasiform irAE, beginning 3 days after initiation of nivolumab and progressing to confluent erythroderma with pustules over 2 weeks despite topical steroid use. She had concurrent acrodermatitis enteropathica, clinically diagnosed and confirmed with a low serum zinc level, that improved with supplementation. Her psoriasiform irAE was refractory to systemic steroids and acitretin, prompting discontinuation of nivolumab and treatment with ustekinumab and concomitant slow taper of acitretin and prednisone. Pustular psoriasiform irAE is a rare but severe dermatologic toxicity resulting from ICI therapy. Given the diverse morphologic types of cutaneous irAEs that can occur during ICI therapy, a clinical and histopathologic examination of dermatologic toxicities is critical to identify patients who may benefit from biologic therapy.

Clinical characteristics and treatment status of pustulotic arthro-osteitis: A single-center study involving 51 cases

Pustulotic arthro-osteitis (PAO) is a major complication of palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP). In orthopedic surgery outpatient clinics, PPP patients with osteoarticular symptoms are seen frequently, but PAO's clinical features remain not well known. To determine Japanese patients' clinical features and treatment status with PAO, we conducted a single-center retrospective epidemiologic survey. Clinical features, including gender, age, smoking habit, the onset pattern, interval between skin manifestation and osteoarticular symptoms, and the incidence of sternoclavicular joint lesions, axial and peripheral joint lesions, were examined. The association between physical status and image findings by X-ray, computed tomography, bone scintigraphy with Technetium⁹⁹ , or magnetic resonance imaging was evaluated. The distribution pattern of peripheral joint lesions and the treatment status were evaluated. We identified 51 patients, 10 men and 41 women, with PAO. The average age was 48 years and 59% were smokers. The frequency of onset patterns was skin-leading type (63%), simultaneous onset (18%), and osteoarticular leading type (16%). The average interval between skin involvement and osteoarticular involvement in skin-leading type was significantly longer than that in osteoarticular leading type (7.1 years vs. 2.0 years). A sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) lesion was detected in 65% cases, and the physical findings of SCJ were significantly related to the image findings. Axial and peripheral joint lesions were detected in the same ratio (23 cases, 45%). In the peripheral joints, the finger joint was the most common (26%), followed by the shoulder joint (21%). Patients were treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (76%), followed by conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (29%) and biological DMARDs (9.8%). Tonsillectomy was performed in 11 cases. In conclusion, PAO more frequently involves SCJ in middle-aged women who smoke. Given that osteoarticular leading type was detected in 16% cases, seronegative oligoarthritis patients should be monitored for PPP, leading to a diagnosis of PAO.

Guselkumab for the Treatment of Palmoplantar Pustulosis: A Japanese Perspective

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by sterile pustules predominantly involving the palms and soles. PPP is refractory to various therapies such as topical ointment, oral medicine, and phototherapies. Pustulotic arthro-osteitis (PAO) is a major comorbidity of PPP that severely impairs patients’ quality of life. Recently, guselkumab, a monoclonal antibody against IL-23, has been available for the treatment of PPP in Japan. The purpose of the present review is to describe the characteristics of Japanese PPP patients and biologic therapy of PPP/PAO using guselkumab. Most Japanese dermatologists consider PPP as a distinct entity and co-existence of PPP and psoriasis is rare. However, outside Japan, PPP is often considered to be palmoplantar psoriasis, and extra-palmoplantar lesions associated with PPP are regarded as psoriasis. PPP develops or exacerbates either with or without arthralgia, following focal infections, such as tonsillitis, odontogenic infection, and sinusitis. Treatment of focal infection results in dramatic effects on cutaneous lesions as well as joint pain. By contrast, we sometimes see patients whose skin/joint symptoms do not improve after treatment of focal infection, whose focus of infection cannot be identified even in a detailed examination, and/or who refuse tonsillectomy even if strongly recommended. Such cases are considered to be indications of biologics. In this review, clinical features, pathophysiology and guselkumab therapy are discussed.

Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Apremilast and Methotrexate in Patients with Palmoplantar Psoriasis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Placebo-controlled studies have reported the efficacy of apremilast in the management of palmoplantar psoriasis but studies comparing efficacy with a conventional agent are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this article was to  compare the efficacy and safety of apremilast and methotrexate in patients with palmoplantar psoriasis.

METHODS

In this prospective, randomized, active-controlled, observer-blinded clinical trial, conducted at a psoriasis clinic of a tertiary care institute in India from 1 July, 2019 to 1 June, 2020, 84 patients with palmoplantar psoriasis were randomized (1:1) to receive either methotrexate (0.4 mg/kg/week orally) or apremilast (30 mg twice daily). The treatment protocol was continued for 16 weeks or until achieving a ≥ 75% improvement in the Modified Palmoplantar Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (m-PPPASI 75), whichever was earlier. Changes in m-PPPASI and Dermatology Life Quality Index scores from baseline, the proportion of patients achieving m-PPPASI 75, and adverse events were assessed.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients were included (76 palmoplantar psoriasis and 8 palmoplantar pustulosis). The mean age (standard deviation) was 44.5 (12.9) years and 53 (63%) were women. The m-PPPASI score [median (interquartile range)] after 16 weeks of treatment showed a significant improvement from baseline in both apremilast [- 6.3 (10.9), p < 0.001] and methotrexate groups [- 8.5 (9.9), p < 0.001]. The estimated median difference between the groups was - 1.2 (p = 0.39, 95% confidence interval - 4.2 to 2.1). At 16 weeks, m-PPPASI 75 was achieved by 14/42 (33%) and 17/42 (41%) patients in the apremilast and methotrexate groups, respectively (p = 0.49). A significant reduction in the Dermatology Life Quality Index score [median (interquartile range)] was observed in both groups [apremilast: - 3.0 (6.0), p < 0.001; methotrexate: - 3.0 (6.3), p < 0.001] with an estimated median difference of 0.0 (p = 0.99, 95% confidence interval - 1.0 to 2.0). The proportion of patients experiencing adverse events was comparable (p = 0.49).

CONCLUSIONS

Apremilast showed a comparable efficacy and safety profile to methotrexate in the management of palmoplantar psoriasis.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

CTRI/2019/06/019830, date of registration: 24 June, 2019; trial registered prospectively.

Economic burden of generalized pustular psoriasis and palmoplantar pustulosis in the United States

OBJECTIVE

To estimate healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and economic burden of generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) and palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) in a commercially insured population the United States (US).

METHODS

Adult patients with a GPP or PPP diagnosis were identified between April 1, 2016 and August 1, 2019 in the IQVIA PharMetrics Plus database. Patients required continuous enrollment in medical and pharmacy benefits 6 months before and ≥2 months after the index diagnosis. GPP and PPP cohorts were exactly matched 1:3 on demographics and index date to a plaque psoriasis and a control cohort of the general population. All-cause HCRU and cost measures (direct medical and pharmacy) were reported as per patient per month (PPPM). Generalized linear models estimated adjusted cost ratios between matched cohorts, controlling for comorbidities.

RESULTS

HCRU was high among GPP and PPP patients. Rates of inpatient visits were 4 times higher in GPP patients and 2 times higher in PPP patients compared to their matched cohorts. GPP patients experienced significantly higher total healthcare costs compared to matched cohorts (GPP vs plaque psoriasis: cost ratio 1.36, 95% confidence interval (1.22, 1.50); GPP vs control: 5.58 (3.73, 8.36)). PPP patients had significantly higher total healthcare costs compared to the general population (4.11 (3.31, 5.11)), while costs were comparable to plaque psoriasis patients (1.06 (0.97, 1.16)).

CONCLUSIONS

GPP and PPP patients have significant economic burden due to higher direct medical and pharmacy costs. Further investigation is needed to better understand the drivers of economic burden in patients with GPP and PPP, and how HCRU and costs are impacted by disease severity.

Similarity and difference between palmoplantar pustulosis and pustular psoriasis

Palmoplantar pustulosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by sterile pustules predominantly involving the palms and soles. Palmoplantar pustulosis has many similar aspects to psoriasis, either plaque and pustular type, namely familial occurrence between palmoplantar pustulosis and psoriasis, the appearance of the Köbner phenomenon, joint involvement, and nail involvement. Pustular psoriasis is classified into generalized and localized types, and there are a number of papers regarding palmoplantar pustulosis as an acral variant of localized pustular psoriasis. Many Japanese dermatologists consider palmoplantar pustulosis to be a distinct entity from pustular psoriasis, and the coexistence of palmoplantar pustulosis and psoriasis is rare. However, outside Japan, palmoplantar pustulosis is often considered to be palmoplantar psoriasis or palmoplantar pustular psoriasis, and extra-palmoplantar lesions are also considered to be psoriasis. The purpose of the current review is to compare the similarities and differences between palmoplantar pustulosis and generalized/localized pustular psoriasis. Japanese patients with palmoplantar pustulosis have a close relationship with focal infection, and the associated bone-joint manifestation exclusively involves the anterior chest wall. Furthermore, pediatric occurrence of palmoplantar pustulosis is extremely rare, and difference of genetic background between palmoplantar pustulosis and psoriasis has also been reported. Treatment of focal infection often results in dramatic effects on both cutaneous lesions and joint pain of palmoplantar pustulosis. Those findings suggest that palmoplantar pustulosis should be separately considered from either palmoplantar psoriasis or palmoplantar pustular psoriasis. The clinicopathological features and therapeutic approach of both diseases are discussed.

Pathogenesis of psoriasis in the "omic" era. Part II. Genetic, genomic and epigenetic changes in psoriasis

Psoriasis is a multifactorial disease in which genetic, environmental and epigenetic factors regulating gene expression play a key role. In the “genomic era”, genome-wide association studies together with target genotyping platforms performed in different ethnic populations have found more than 50 genetic susceptible markers associated with the risk of psoriasis which have been identified so far. Up till now, the strongest association with the risk of the disease has been proved for HLA-C*06 gene. The majority of other psoriasis risk SNPs are situated near the genes encoding molecules involved in adaptive and innate immunity, and skin barrier function. Many contemporary studies indicate that the epigenetic changes: histone modification, promoter methylations, long non-coding and micro-RNA hyperexpression are considered as factors contributing to psoriasis pathogenesis as they regulate abnormal keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation, aberrant keratinocytes – inflammatory cells communication, neoangiogenesis and chronic inflammation. The circulating miRNAs detected in the blood may become specific markers in the diagnosis, prognosis and response to the treatment of the disease. The inhibition of expression in selected miRNAs may be a new promising therapy option for patients with psoriasis.

Treatment patterns and healthcare resource utilization in palmoplantar pustulosis patients in Japan: A claims database study

Background

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory autoimmune condition, characterized by sterile pustules on the palms and soles. The treatment patterns of PPP and total health care resource utilization in Japan are not well described. Investigating these areas is needed to understand current PPP management in Japan.

Objective

To describe the characteristics, medication treatment and health care resource utilization patterns, and associated costs of PPP patients in Japan.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of insurance claims data was conducted using the Japan Medical Data Center database. Adult Patients with at least two claims with a PPP diagnosis from January 1, 2011 to March 30, 2017 and six months of follow-up after the first diagnosis were included. Patient characteristics described include age, gender, and comorbid conditions. Treatment patterns assessed include the types of treatment, sequence of treatment, and rates of discontinuation, switching, persistence and use of concomitant medications.

Results

A total of 5,162 adult patients met all inclusion criteria. Mean (SD) patient age was 49.7 (11.6) years and 43.2% were male. A total of 2441 patients (47.8%) received systemic non-biologic drugs during the entire follow up period, 2,366 (46.4%) were prescribed topical therapy, 273 (5.4%) were prescribed phototherapy, while 18 (0.4%) of patients with other autoimmune comorbidities were eligible for prescribed biologics. For treatment-naïve patients with mild PPP, topical therapy was most commonly (77.1%) prescribed, whereas in moderate to severe cases of PPP, systemic non-biologic drugs (65%) were most often used. The frequency of switching was similar (64.3% to 75.3%) across various therapies and treatment lines.

Conclusion

This study describes the treatment patterns and health care resource utilization for Japanese PPP patients using a large claims database, and highlights an unmet need to derive better treatment strategies for PPP and address disease burden in Japan.

[Occupational aspects of palmoplantar pustulosis : Discussion based on the evaluation of retrospective data]

BACKGROUND

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Its classification as a variant of psoriasis is controversial. Exogenous factors may affect PPP.

OBJECTIVES

Occupational aspects of PPP based on a retrospective evaluation of patient data are discussed.

METHODS

Data from 1518 patients who took part in a tertiary prevention program (TIP) for occupational skin diseases in our department between January 2015 and June 2019 were evaluated.

RESULTS

PPP was diagnosed in 30 patients (1.98%). The hands were affected in all of them, while concomitant feet involvement was found in 83.3%. The majority was female (70.0%) and reported tobacco smoking (83.3%). Systemic treatment was continued or initiated in one third of patients. In only 8 patients (26.7%) was PPP considered to be work-related.

CONCLUSIONS

PPP is an endogenous disease which is influenced by nonoccupational factors (e.g., tobacco smoking). Therefore, a thorough investigation is mandatory when assessing whether occupational factors are legally essential and exceed aggravation by everyday life. For this purpose, a well-documented course of the disease and a critical appraisal of occupational and nonoccupational factors are crucial. Only if occupational causality is probable can preventive measures be provided by the statutory accident insurance and PPP can be legally recognized as an occupational disease.

Guselkumab for the treatment of palmoplantar pustulosis

INTRODUCTION

Palmoplantar pustulosis, or pustulosis palmaris et plantaris (PPP), is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disease that is sometimes unresponsive to conventional therapy. The anti-interleukin 23 antibody guselkumab is effective for treating PPP.

AREAS COVERED

This review details the current understanding of PPP and discusses why guselkumab may be effective. Guselkumab is only approved for the treatment of PPP in Japan. In the United States, Canada, the European Union, and several other countries, it is approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, but not for PPP. Furthermore, guselkumab was approved only 1 year ago; its efficacy will be proven only by phase 2 and 3 clinical trials.

EXPERT OPINION

The first double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial (RCT) of guselkumab for PPP has been completed. The drug was effective, and guselkumab could be used as a new agent for PPP treatment, in addition to several conventional therapeutics. However, several issues remain. For example, there is no mouse model of PPP, so careful observation of human PPP patients and establishment of a good experimental PPP model are essential.

Refractory palmoplantar pustulosis succesfully treated with apremilast

Palmoplantar pustulosis is a chronic inflammatory disease which characterized by a eruption of sterile pustules on the palms and soles. Apremilast is an oral phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor which is approved for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. However, no clinical trial has been performed to confirm the efficacy of apremilast for palmoplantar pustulosis yet. Moreover, there are very few cases of this disease treated with apremilast. Herein, we describe a case of a refractory palmoplantar pustulosis succesfully treated with apremilast.

Demographic, clinical, and scintigraphic comparison of patients affected by palmoplantar pustulosis and severe acne: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome encompasses heterogeneous dermatological manifestations, mainly palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) and severe acne (SA). This study aims to explore the necessity of stratified management according to skin lesions.

METHODS

In a cohort of SAPHO patients, we compared the demographic, clinical, and scintigraphic characteristics of the SAPHO patients whose skin lesion was PPP or SA.

RESULTS

A total of 249 patients were included (227 affected by PPP and 22 affected by SA). Patients with SA were younger at onset (20, interquartile ranges (IQR) 15-30 vs. 37, IQR 30-46 years old; p < 0.001) and enrollment (35, IQR 25-38 vs. 41, IQR 33-50 years old; p = 0.001), and they had a prolonged disease duration (88.5 months, IQR 18.7-216.0 vs. 16.0, IQR 7.0-48.0 months; p < 0.001) and time needed for diagnosis (7.5, IQR 2.0-19.0 vs. 1.0, IQR 1.0-4.0 years; p < 0.001). Adjusted by age, sex, and disease duration, SA was significantly associated with more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) use (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.72; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23, 12.62; p = 0.019) and more sternoclavicular joint involvement (adjusted OR 5.91; 95% CI 1.17, 61.3; p = 0.030) in two separate Firth's logistic regression models.

CONCLUSION

SAPHO patients affected by PPP or SA as the only skin lesion may have different epidemiologic features, osteoarticular manifestations, and treatment history.Key Points• SAPHO patients with PPP or SA were heterogenous in both demographic, clinical, and imaging features.• SAPHO patients with SA were mainly male and had a significantly younger age and longer duration of symptoms before diagnosis.• SA in SAPHO patients was significantly associated with more sternoclavicular involvement and more DMARD use history.

Clinical characteristics and associations of palmoplantar pustulosis: an observational study

Background

Palmoplantar pustulosis is a chronic and relapsing disease of the palms and soles, which is characterized by scattered clusters of pinhead-sized, sterile pustules.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to determine demographic features, co-morbidities, and relation of palmoplantar pustulosis with psoriasis.

Methods

A total of 48 patients (M/F: 15/33) were enrolled in the present study. A detailed history regarding age of onset, palmoplantar pustulosis duration, number of recurrences, personal and family history of psoriasis, accompanying arthritis, sternoclavicular tenderness, dental fillings, smoking status, and autoimmune disease was obtained; thorough dermatological examination was carried out. Patch testing results and laboratory investigations for thyroid autoimmunity were recorded.

Results

Thirty-five of 48 patients (72.9%) were current smokers. Twenty of the 48 patients (41.7%) had dental fillings. There was not any significant correlation between palmoplantar pustulosis duration and dental filling duration (p = 0.170). Psoriasis was not detected in any patients either in history or in dermatological examination. Nail involvement and joint complaints were observed in seven of 48 patients (14%) and in nine of 48 patients (18%), respectively. Autoimmune thyroiditis was observed in four of 48 patients (12%). Patients with patch testing positivity (12.5% of patients, M/F: 1/5) had no considerable association for history of external contact with these materials.

Study limitations

Retrospective analysis.

Conclusion

Palmoplantar pustulosis appears to be a distinct entity from psoriasis. Routine thyroid functions test could be analyzed, but patch testing is not required in patients with palmoplantar pustulosis. Also, patients with palmoplantar pustulosis must be evaluated for musculoskeletal symptoms and signs.

Lack of association between mutation in IL36RN and palmoplantar pustular psoriasis in Chinese patients

Background

Palmoplantar pustulosis is considered to be a localized pustular psoriasis confined to the palms and soles. Mutation of the IL36RN gene, encoding interleukin-36 receptor antagonist (IL-36Ra), is associated with generalized pustular psoriasis, but IL36RN mutations in Chinese palmoplantar pustulosis patients have not previously been investigated.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mutation of IL36RN in Chinese patients with palmoplantar pustulosis.

Methods

Fifty-one Han Chinese patients with palmoplantar pustulosis were recruited. All exons and exon-intron boundary sequences of IL36RN were amplified in polymerase chain reactions, and Sanger sequencing of the amplicons was performed.

Results

Among the 51 palmoplantar pustulosis patients, four different single-base substitutions were identified in nine patients. The mutations were c.140A>G/p.Asn47Ser in five patients, c.258G>A/p.Met86IIe in two patients, and c.115+6T>C and c.169G>A/p.Val57IIe in one patient each. All mutations were heterozygous. Comparison with the human genome database and reported literature suggested that these variants may not be pathogenic mutations causing palmoplantar pustulosis. Furthermore, there was no difference in disease severity, onset age, or disease duration between patients with these heterozygous IL36RN variants and those without (p > 0.1).

Study limitation

Lack of the further evaluation of IL36Ra protein in palmoplantar pustulosis lesions.

Conclusions

The four variants of IL36RN identified did not appear to be associated with the specific phenotypes of palmoplantar pustulosis.

How frequently does palmoplantar psoriasis affect the palms and/or soles? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Palmoplantar psoriasis (PPP) is a variant of psoriasis that affects the palms and/or soles. Although PPP is a disabling and therapeutically challenging condition, its epidemiology is poorly defined.

Aim

To assess the prevalence of PPP locations (palms, soles or both), and to analyse epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the disease.

Material and methods

Two bibliographic databases (MEDLINE and SCOPUS) were used as data sources searched from inception to October 2017. The selection of articles was limited to human subjects and English or French languages.

Results

A search resulted in a total of 293 articles, out of which 24 were utilized for the current systematic review and 21 for meta-analysis. All listed studies comprised a total of 2083 patients with PPP, with more males than females. According to the results of meta-analysis, majority of patients had the highest prevalence of both palms and soles involvement (95% CI: 47-67), with an almost equal prevalence showing palmar (21%; 95% CI: 13-30) or plantar (20%; 95% CI: 12-29) involvement. The most prevalent type of PPP was plaque/hyperkeratotic, followed by the pustular type.

Conclusions

Almost three-fifths (59%) of all PPP patients had involvement of both palms and soles, while exclusive palmar or plantar involvement was seen in 21% and 20% of patients, respectively. Future research should be performed to elucidate basic epidemiological and clinical characteristics of PPP, which would be helpful for proper consideration of this condition.

The microbiome of the "sterile" pustules in palmoplantar pustulosis

The skin microbiome influences skin pathophysiology. Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic skin disease characterized by infectious-like pustules on the palms and soles. These pustules are thought to be sterile because bacterial cultures obtained from the pustules are negative. However, culture methods are limited in their ability to identify all bacteria on the skin. We hypothesized that the "sterile" pustules of PPP do not lack bacteria, but rather contain a microbiome. To test this hypothesis, we identified bacteria in "sterile" pustules using non-culture methods. We conducted Sanger and 16S rRNA sequencing using primers specific to the V1-V2 region in PPP-pustulovesicles (PVs) (n = 43) and pompholyx vesicle fluids (n = 15). Sanger sequencing identified some Staphylococcus, Propionibacterium, Streptococcus and Pyrinomonas species in PPP-PVs but failed to identify any bacteria in most of the pompholyx vesicles. 16S rRNA sequencing of PPP-PVs indicated the presence of a microbiome that included various phyla, including Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes. At the genus level, smokers had higher levels of Staphylococcus in PPP-PVs compared with non-smokers. These results indicate that a microbiome exists in "sterile" pustules of PPP and that PPP smokers had higher levels of Staphylococcus in pustules. It is therefore necessary to reconsider the pathogenesis of PPP from the perspective of the microbiome.

Autoinflammatory Disorders: A Review and Update on Pathogenesis and Treatment

The autoinflammatory diseases comprise a broad spectrum of disorders characterized by unchecked activation of the innate immune system. Whereas aberrations in adaptive immunity have long been identified in 'autoimmune' disorders, the concept of 'autoinflammation' emerged relatively recently, first describing a group of clinical disorders characterized by spontaneous episodes of systemic inflammation without manifestations typical of autoimmune disorders. Improved knowledge of innate immune mechanisms, coupled with remarkable progress in genomics and an expanding number of clinical cases, has since led to an increasing number of disorders classified as autoinflammatory or containing an autoinflammatory component. Biologic therapies targeting specific components of the innate immune system have provided immense clinical benefit, and have further elucidated the role of innate immunity in autoinflammatory disorders. This article reviews the basic mechanisms of autoinflammation, followed by an update on the pathophysiology and treatment of the monogenic and multifactorial autoinflammatory diseases, and the common dermatologic conditions in which autoinflammation plays a major role.

Palmoplantar Pustulosis and Allergies: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

In 2007 the International Psoriasis Council considered palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) a condition separate from psoriasis, and several authors maintain that PPP is a reactive process to metal contact allergies independent from psoriasis.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the frequency of allergies and psoriasis in patients with PPP and to determine the role of allergens in PPP.

METHODS

A systematic search of the English databases (PubMed and Web of Science) from January 1964 to August 2018 to identify all patients affected by PPP and allergies and/or psoriasis.

RESULTS

In total, 16 publications describing a total of 519 patients with PPP were evaluated and 122 cases of concomitant PPP and metal allergy were found. The frequency of allergies among patients with PPP was 22.7%; between the identified allergens, 84.3% of cases correspond to metal allergies. In 65.1% of metal allergies, an improvement in PPP was seen after withdrawal of contact. The concomitant presence of psoriasis was recorded in 18% of the cases.

CONCLUSION

There is some evidence to support the association of PPP with metal allergies but also with psoriasis, suggesting the role of metal allergens as a trigger factor in patients with PPP.

Efficacy and Safety of Oral Alitretinoin in Hand Eczema and Palmoplantar Pustulosis in Korean Patients

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated efficacy and safety of oral alitretinoin in hand eczema (HE) whereas in palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP), which can be difficult to distinguish from HE, efficacy of alitretinoin is still controversial.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of oral alitretinoin in HE and PPP and factors that affect the response of these disorders to alitretinoin.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed Korean adult patients with moderate-to-severe HE and PPP treated with oral alitretinoin, 46 patients for efficacy assessment and 55 patients for safety assessment.

Results

Among 46 patients who were treated with alitretinoin for at least 1 month, 29 patients (61.1% in HE and 40.0% in PPP) showed response to alitretinoin in the median 14 weeks after treatment. Hyperkeratotic HE showed higher response rate than either vesicular HE or PPP (p=0.026 and p=0.026, respectively). However, PPP with hyperkeratotic features showed as much response as hyperkeratotic HE (p=0.554). When responders and non-responders in total patients were compared, morphology, not diagnosis or initial severity, was the only significantly different factor between the two groups. After alitretinoin discontinuation in responders, relapse rate was 63.6% (7/11) and median time to relapse was 150 days (range, 76~730 days). Adverse events occurred in 47.3% (26/55); however, there were no serious adverse events.

Conclusion

In HE or PPP, lesions with hyperkeratotic morphology can be predicted to respond well to alitretinoin regardless of diagnosis.

Increased levels of lipocalin 2 in palmoplantar pustular psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Palmoplantar pustular psoriasis (PPP) is a recalcitrant chronic skin disease affecting the palms and soles.

OBJECTIVE

To identify and characterize pathogenetic players in PPP.

METHODS

Clinical and anamnestic data as well as skin and blood samples of 60 PPP patients were collected. Healthy participants served as controls. Analysis of patient samples and cultured primary skin cells was performed by ELISA, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Upon screening of blood mediators in PPP patients, lipocalin 2 (LCN2) emerged as being significantly upregulated compared to healthy participants. LCN2 blood levels were independent of age, sex, or concomitant psoriasis vulgaris. Keratinocytes in PPP skin lesions were important LCN2 producers. In vitro, LCN2 production of these cells was upregulated by IL-1β and further enhanced by IL-17 and TNF-α, while IL-22 had no effect. Accordingly, a positive relationship between blood IL-1β and LCN2 levels was evident in PPP. LCN2 blood levels also showed a positive correlation with PPP pustule score, Dermatology Quality of Life Index and blood levels of the pro-atherogenic molecule resistin.

CONCLUSIONS

In PPP, increased blood levels of LCN2 indicate an important activity of IL-1β in the epidermis, may contribute to skin neutrophil infiltration, and may point to an increased pro- atherosclerosis risk.

Nail psoriasis: clinical features, pathogenesis, differential diagnoses, and management

Psoriasis is the skin disease that most frequently affects the nails. Depending on the very nail structure involved, different clinical nail alterations can be observed. Irritation of the apical matrix results in psoriatic pits, mid-matrix involvement may cause leukonychia, whole matrix affection may lead to red lunulae or severe nail dystrophy, nail bed involvement may cause salmon spots, subungual hyperkeratosis, and splinter hemorrhages, and psoriasis of the distal nail bed and hyponychium causes onycholysis whereas that of the proximal nail fold causes psoriatic paronychia. The more extensive the involvement, the more severe is the nail destruction. Pustular psoriasis may be seen as yellow spots under the nail or, in case of acrodermatitis continua suppurativa, as an insidious progressive loss of the nail organ. Nail psoriasis has a severe impact on quality of life and may interfere with professional and other activities. Management includes patient counseling, avoidance of stress and strain to the nail apparatus, and different types of treatment. Topical therapy may be tried but is rarely sufficiently efficient. Perilesional injections with corticosteroids and methotrexate are often beneficial but may be painful and cannot be applied to many nails. All systemic treatments clearing widespread skin lesions usually also clear the nail lesions. Recently, biologicals were introduced into nail psoriasis treatment and found to be very effective. However, their use is restricted to severe cases due to high cost and potential systemic adverse effects.

Efficacy of ixekizumab compared to etanercept and placebo in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and non-pustular palmoplantar involvement: results from three phase 3 trials (UNCOVER-1, UNCOVER-2 and UNCOVER-3)

BACKGROUND

Palmoplantar psoriasis has significant physical and emotional impact on patients and can be difficult to treat.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of ixekizumab in the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and moderate-to-severe non-pustular palmoplantar involvement.

METHODS

In three phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, patients with moderate-to-severe non-pustular plaque psoriasis [UNCOVER-1 (N = 1296), UNCOVER-2 (N = 1224), UNCOVER-3 (N = 1346)] were randomized to subcutaneous 80 mg ixekizumab every 2 or 4 weeks (Q2W, Q4W), after a 160-mg starting dose, or placebo through week 12. Additional UNCOVER-2 and UNCOVER-3 cohorts were randomized to 50 mg etanercept biweekly. Patients entering the open-label long-term extension (UNCOVER-3) received ixekizumab Q4W weeks 12-60. Moderate-to-severe palmoplantar involvement was defined as Palmoplantar Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PPASI) ≥8.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight percent of UNCOVER-1, UNCOVER-2 and UNCOVER-3 patients had baseline palmoplantar involvement (PPASI ≥0, n = 1092) and 9.1% (n = 350) had moderate-to-severe involvement, with mean baseline PPASI ~20, PASI ~24, and most (>60%) had static Physician's Global Assessment ≥4. Higher percentages of patients treated with ixekizumab vs. placebo or etanercept achieved PPASI 50 (approximately 80% vs. 32.9%, 67.8%; ixekizumab, placebo, etanercept, respectively) and PPASI 75 (approximately 70% vs. 18.8%, 44.1%; ixekizumab, placebo, etanercept, respectively) at week 12 (all P < 0.05). PPASI 100 was achieved by higher percentages of ixekizumab-treated patients vs. placebo (approximately 50% vs. 8.2%, P < 0.001) and ixekizumab Q2W-treated patients vs. etanercept (51.8% vs. 32.2%, P < 0.05). Outcomes were maintained or improved in patients continuing on ixekizumab Q4W through week 60. Differences between ixekizumab and placebo or etanercept were statistically significant as early as week 1.

CONCLUSION

In a subpopulation analysis of patients from phase 3 trials with moderate-to-severe non-pustular palmoplantar involvement and moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, ixekizumab treatment resulted in greater and more rapid improvements than placebo and etanercept at week 12; improvements were sustained with continued treatment.