Psoriatic disease and tuberculosis nowadays

Risk of Reactivation of Latent Tuberculosis in Psoriasis Patients on Biologic Therapies: A Retrospective Cohort from a Tertiary Care Centre in Northern Italy

Psoriatic patients with latent tuberculosis infection and properly treated active tuberculosis need careful management when prescribing modern biological drugs. Although data and guidelines regarding tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors advise caution and initiation of prophylactic therapy in patients with latent tuberculosis infection, the same indications do not seem to find equal force for interleukin (IL)-23 and IL-17 inhibitors. In order to evaluate the risk of reactivation in patients with latent tuberculosis infection or properly treated active tuberculosis, an observational retrospective study was conducted on the population referred to our centre at Dermatologic Clinic of University of Turin, Italy. In the last 10 years at the clinic 19 psoriatic patients were found to be at risk of tuberculosis reactivation: 10 patients were QuantiFERON- TB-positive at baseline, 2 became positive during treatment, 6 reported prior tuberculous infection, and 1 was QuantiFERON-TB-negative at baseline and developed disseminated tuberculosis during treatment with anti-tumour necrosis factor-α. Overall, 10.5% of this group of patients developed active tuberculosis; however, stratifying by biologic therapy, zero cases were observed among patients treated with anti-IL-17, -23, or -12/23 over a relatively long follow-up (48.1 months) A review of the available literature following our experience confirms the increased risk of tuberculosis reactivation with tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors. Concerning anti-IL-23 and IL-17 drugs, available data showed high safety in patients at risk of tuberculosis reactivation. Screening of patients who should be taking IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors is recommended for public health purposes. In case of a positive result with these therapies, consulting with an infectious diseases specialist is suggested in order to weigh up the risks and benefits of prophylactic treatment.

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

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

Lethal disseminated tuberculosis in patients under biological treatment - two clinical cases and a short review

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors are highly used in Romania for the treatment of autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and ankylosing spondylitis. Biological therapy using TNF-α inhibitors is very effective but is associated with an increased risk of opportunistic infections, including active tuberculosis. Here, two cases are presented of patients with RA and psoriasis under biological therapy who developed very aggressive forms of disseminated tuberculosis, with a rapid progression to death. The authors conclude that patients undergoing biological therapy require thorough evaluation prior to initiating treatment, followed by continuous and rigorous monitoring by a multidisciplinary team during biological treatment, particularly in countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis.

Infections from seven clinical trials of ixekizumab, an anti-interleukin-17A monoclonal antibody, in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Infections are associated with biological therapies in psoriasis.

OBJECTIVES

To summarize the incidence of infections in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis treated with ixekizumab, an anti-interleukin-17A monoclonal antibody.

METHODS

Infections are summarized from an integrated database of seven controlled and uncontrolled ixekizumab psoriasis trials. Data are presented from placebo-controlled induction (weeks 0-12; UNCOVER-1, UNCOVER-2 and UNCOVER-3) and maintenance periods (weeks 12-60; UNCOVER-1 and UNCOVER-2), and all patients exposed to ixekizumab pooled from all seven trials. Comparisons with etanercept were made during the induction period of two trials (UNCOVER-2 and UNCOVER-3). Incidence and exposure-adjusted incidence rates (IRs) per 100 patient-years (PYs) are reported.

RESULTS

Overall, 4209 patients were treated with ixekizumab (6480 PY). During induction (weeks 0-12), overall infection rates were higher in patients treated with ixekizumab (27%) vs. placebo (23%, P < 0·05); however, specific infection rates were comparable overall across treatment groups. IRs of infections did not increase with longer-term exposure. For all patients treated with ixekizumab (all seven trials), the incidence of serious infections was low (2%, IR 1·3). Candida infections, including eight cases of oesophageal candidiasis, were adequately managed with antifungal therapy, were noninvasive and did not lead to discontinuation.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, infections occurred in a higher percentage of patients treated with ixekizumab vs. placebo during the first 12 weeks of treatment; however, specific infection rates were comparable overall across treatment groups. Incidences of serious infections were low and similar across treatment groups.

Yin and yang of interleukin-17 in host immunity to infection

The interleukin-17 (IL-17) family cytokines, such as IL-17A and IL-17F, play important protective roles in host immune response to a variety of infections such as bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral. The IL-17R signaling and downstream pathways mediate induction of proinflammatory molecules which participate in control of these pathogens. However, the production of IL-17 can also mediate pathology and inflammation associated with infections. In this review, we will discuss the yin-and-yang roles of IL-17 in host immunity to pathogens.

Lack of evidence of viral reactivation in HBsAg-negative HBcAb-positive and HCV patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy for psoriasis

BACKGROUND

HBV and HCV reactivation have been widely reported in patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy (IT); however, few data are available on the risk of reactivation in patients with psoriasis receiving IT. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection in patients with psoriasis and to evaluate the effects of IT during the course of the infection.

METHODS

The study included psoriatic patients who attended an Italian tertiary referral hospital from 2009 to 2012. A total of 224 patients were enrolled. We evaluated: HBV and HCV markers, type of IT and the occurrence of viral reactivation. The observational period ranged from the beginning of IT to the last visit, with a mean follow-up period of 54 months.

RESULTS

Two hundred and twenty patients (135 males and 89 females; mean age 59 years; range 18-86 years) with psoriasis, with or without psoriatic arthritis, receiving conventional IT and/or biological drugs were tested for markers of infection. We identified 23/224 patients (10.2%) with isolated positivity for HBcAb positivity, 36/224 (16%) with positivity for HBsAb/HBcAb, and 15/224 (6.6%) with positivity for HCV-Ab. No patient was HBsAg positive, none of them underwent pre-emptive therapy with lamivudine or other antiviral drugs and no one showed episodes of viral reactivation.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of HBsAg in patients with psoriasis is lower than that observed in the general population. The prevalence of isolated positivity for HBcAb and of combined positivity for HBcAb and HBsAb is 10.2% and 16%, respectively. The prevalence of HCV infection (HCV-RNA+) is 4%. In patients with psoriasis and HCV-Ab or HBcAb positivity, the IT seems to be safe, regardless of the type of drugs.

Serum level of antibody against benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide-DNA adducts in people dermally exposed to PAHs

Some specific antibodies indicate the presence of antigenic structures on DNA (DNA adducts) that can play an important role in the process of mutagenesis and/or carcinogenesis. They indicate the presence of increased genotoxic potential (hazard) prior to the formation of disease (primary prevention). The present study was focused on the serum level of benzo[a]pyrene 7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide-DNA adducts antibodies (anti-BPDE-DNA) in psoriatic patients (n = 55) dermally exposed to different levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The general goal of the study was to contribute to better understanding of the value of the assumed biomarker (anti-BPDE-DNA) for evaluation of the organism's answer to genotoxic exposure to PAHs. Elevated level of exposure to PAHs resulted in the increased level of anti-BPDE-DNA. However, almost all levels of anti-BPDE-DNA ranged within the field of low values. Both variants of GT (CCT-3% and CCT-5%) induced higher expression of anti-BPDE-DNA in the group of nonsmokers. Significant relations between the level of anti-BPDE-DNA and PASI score, total duration of the therapy, or time of UVR exposure were not found. Further studies are needed to reduce interpretation uncertainty of this promising bioindicator.

Psoriasis, anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy, and tuberculosis: report of three challenging cases and literature review

INTRODUCTION

The era of biologic therapies has provided new options for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis. However, safety concerns have led to intensive screening and monitoring of patients receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-alpha) agents.

METHODS

The authors describe the cases of three patients with moderate to severe psoriasis treated with anti-TNF agents, with challenging diagnostic and treatment aspects regarding tuberculosis (TB) infection, a serious adverse event associated with this type of treatment. The cases are discussed in the context of a comprehensive literature review describing the risk of TB associated with the use of TNF inhibitors. A critical review of the clinical trials that have tested the safety of these agents is also presented.

RESULTS

One patient, who tested negatively for latent TB infection (LTBI) during screening, developed active TB under adalimumab therapy. For two other patients the diagnosis and management of LTBI in relation to anti-TNF therapy represented a challenge. Although clinical trials involving the use of anti-TNF therapy for psoriasis haven't demonstrated a high TB incidence, active TB is continuously reported in association with this treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from clinical practice and the scientific literature indicate that anti-TNF therapies are associated with an increased risk of TB, and close monitoring of patients is needed.