International Consensus Definition and Diagnostic Criteria for Generalized Pustular Psoriasis From the International Psoriasis Council

Importance

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) lacks internationally accepted definitions and diagnostic criteria, impeding timely diagnosis and treatment and hindering cross-regional clinical and epidemiological study comparisons.

Objective

To develop an international consensus definition and diagnostic criteria for GPP using the modified Delphi method.

Evidence Review

The rarity of GPP presents a challenge in acquiring comprehensive published clinical data necessary for developing standardized definition and criteria. Instead of relying on a literature search, 43 statements that comprehensively addressed the fundamental aspects of the definitions and diagnostic criteria for GPP were formulated based on expert reviews of 64 challenging GPP cases. These statements were presented to a panel of 33 global GPP experts for voting, discussion, and refinements in 2 virtual consensus meetings. Consensus during voting was defined as at least 80% agreement; the definition and diagnostic criteria were accepted by all panelists after voting and in-depth discussion.

Findings

In the first and second modified Delphi round, 30 (91%) and 25 (76%) experts participated. In the initial Delphi round, consensus was achieved for 53% of the statements, leading to the approval of 23 statements that were utilized to develop the proposed definitions and diagnostic criteria for GPP. During the second Delphi round, the final definition established was, "Generalized Pustular Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by cutaneous erythema and macroscopically visible sterile pustules." It can occur with or without systemic symptoms, other psoriasis types, and laboratory abnormalities. GPP may manifest as an acute form with widespread pustules or a subacute variant with an annular phenotype. The identified essential criterion was, "Macroscopically visible sterile pustules on erythematous base and not restricted to the acral region or within psoriatic plaques."

Conclusions and Relevance

The achievement of international consensus on the definition and diagnostic criteria for GPP underscores the importance of collaboration, innovative methodology, and expert engagement to address rare diseases. Although further validation is needed, these criteria can serve as a reference point for clinicians, researchers, and patients, which may contribute to more accurate diagnosis and improved management of GPP.

Remission of chronic actinic dermatitis on baricitinib: A case report

Chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) is an immune-mediated photodermatosis characterised by eczematous, pruritic changes to sun-exposed skin. The pathophysiology of CAD is poorly understood, with current explanations including a hypersensitivity reaction and cross-reactivity to contact allergens. The disease is often refractory to immunosuppressive treatment and has a marked impact on patient quality of life. Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) are a novel class of small molecules licenced for the management of certain inflammatory conditions, including atopic dermatitis We present the case of a 69-year-old gentleman with a history of severe CAD, unresponsive to standard therapies, who was prescribed baricitinib, a janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor as a single agent treatment for his disease. The patient experienced a dramatic clinical improvement with this therapy. In addition, normalisation of photo test and improvement of patch test results following treatment were observed. There is one previous case report in the literature describing the clinical response of patients with CAD to JAK inhibitor therapy, but no comment on pre or post treatment photo testing, patch testing or photo-patch testing results was made. In this case report, we discuss our understanding of the role of JAK inhibitors in CAD and highlight a potential new therapeutic avenue for this disabling disease.

Atopic dermatitis in skin of colour. Part 2: considerations in clinical presentation and treatment options

Recent advances in atopic dermatitis (AD) present the condition as a heterogeneous disease of distinct endotypes across ethnic groups. AD in people with skin of colour may appear psoriasiform, lichenoid, scaly or papular, with a violaceous colour and there is a higher prevalence of post-inflammatory dyspigmentation compared with affected individuals of White ethnicity. These differences in clinical presentation may limit the use of AD assessment tools in people with skin of colour, leading to the potential for misdiagnosis and underestimation of severity, particularly in relation to assessment of erythema. Recent targeted therapies for AD have been studied in multiple ethnic groups; however, ethnicity-based subgroup analysis is often not performed. Further research is required to understand whether treatment responses or safety may differ among ethnic groups.

The Treat-to-Target Project in Atopic Dermatitis: One Year On

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition for which a range of systemic treatments have recently been approved. A treat-to-target strategy has been developed previously alongside an algorithm to guide the management of patients with atopic dermatitis. Here, we review the strategy and algorithm in the context of the evolving therapeutic landscape, and identify areas for further refinement and development.

Atopic dermatitis in skin of colour. Part 1: New discoveries in epidemiology and pathogenesis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a global condition that has a rising prevalence in developing countries such as those within South-east Asia and Latin America. Recent research re-presents the condition as a heterogenous disease of distinct endotypes among different ethnic groups. Variation between ethnic groups in physiological measures such as transepidermal water loss, ceramide-to-cholesterol ratio, skin sensitivity, alongside pathological barrier and immune system dysfunction processes, may ultimately lead to the distinct phenotypes seen clinically. AD in patients of Caucasian ethnicities is typified by filaggrin dysfunction, more Th1 and less Th17 involvement, with less epidermal thickness compared to patients of Black or Asian ethnicities. AD in patients of Black ethnic groups is Th2/Th22-skewed, with robust IgE expression, and less Th1 and Th17 involvement than patients of Asian or Caucasian ethnicities. AD across South Asian and East Asian populations is characterised by Th17/Th22 upregulation. Differences also exist in how AD psychosocially impacts individuals of different ethnic groups.

Real-World Treatment Patterns and Treatment Benefits among Adult Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: Results from the Atopic Dermatitis Patient Satisfaction and Unmet Need Survey

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder associated with a heterogeneous presentation and considerable disease burden. Exploring atopic dermatitis treatment patterns and patient benefits could improve disease management and patients' quality of life. This study aimed to describe current and previous atopic dermatitis treatment patterns and patient benefits from those treatments to inform disease management. Data were collected in 10 countries. Adults (n = 1,988) with confirmed moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis completed a web-based cross-sectional survey. Most patients (86.6%) had body surface area involvement <10%, and therapies used were topical (69.7%), systemic (28.1%), and biologics (2.3%). Most flares were managed by topical monotherapies (73.4%), even in patients with body surface area involvement ≥10%. Treatment expectations were met only partially, or not at all, in 75% of patients. Those with body surface area involvement ≥10% reported lower treatment satisfaction. Overall, this study highlights the unmet medical needs in atopic dermatitis management.

Outcomes of COVID-19 and Vaccination in Patients With Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis Treated With Tralokinumab

This case series describes the outcomes of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with atopic dermatitis who have been treated with tralokinumab.

Quality of life and patient-perceived symptoms in patients with psoriasis undergoing proactive or reactive management with the fixed-dose combination Cal/BD foam: A post-hoc analysis of PSO-LONG

Background

Psoriasis has important physical and psychosocial effects that extend beyond the skin. Understanding the impact of treatment on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and patient‐perceived symptom severity in psoriasis is key to clinical decision‐making.

Objectives

This post hoc analysis of the PSO‐LONG trial data assessed the impact of long‐term proactive or reactive management with fixed‐dose combination calcipotriene 50 µg/g and betamethasone dipropionate 0.5 mg/g (Cal/BD) foam on patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with psoriasis vulgaris.

Methods

Five hundred and twenty‐one patients from the Phase 3, randomized, double‐blind PSO‐LONG trial were included. An initial 4‐week, open‐label phase of fixed‐dose combination Cal/BD foam once daily (QD) was followed by a 52‐week maintenance phase, at the start of which patients were randomized to a proactive management arm (Cal/BD foam twice weekly) or reactive management arm (vehicle foam twice weekly). Patient‐perceived symptom severity and HRQoL were assessed using the Psoriasis Symptom Inventory (PSI), the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the EuroQol‐5D for psoriasis (EQ‐5D‐5L‐PSO).

Results

Statistically and clinically significant improvements were observed across all PRO measures. The mean difference (standard deviation) from baseline to Week 4 was −8.97 (6.18) for PSI, −6.02 (5.46) for DLQI and 0.11 (0.15) for EQ‐5D‐5L‐PSO scores. During maintenance, patients receiving reactive management had significantly higher DLQI (15% [p = 0.007]) and PSI (15% [p = 0.0128]) and a numerically lower EQ‐5D‐5L‐PSO mean area under the curve score than patients receiving proactive management (1% [p = 0.0842]).

Conclusions

Cal/BD foam significantly improved DLQI, EQ‐5D‐5L‐PSO and PSI scores during the open‐label and maintenance phases. Patients assigned to proactive management had significantly better DLQI and PSI scores and numerically better EQ‐5D‐5L‐PSO versus reactive management. Additionally, baseline flare was associated with worse PROs than the start of a relapse, and patients starting a relapse also had worse PROs than patients in remission.

AB0573 DUPILUMAB-INDUCED ENTHESITIS/ARTHRITIS IN PATIENTS WITH ATOPIC DERMATITIS: A RETROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Background:

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin condition with a prevalence of 2–10% in adults1. IL-4 and IL-13 play a key role in the pathogenesis. Dupilumab, a human IgG4 monoclonal antibody binding the alpha subunit of the IL-4 receptor, blocking IL-4 and IL-13 signaling, has important efficacy in this difficult to treat disease. We first reported a musculoskeletal (MSK) adverse effect of enthesis/arthritis developing in 3 patients in 20192.

Objectives:

To report the ongoing experience at our centre of this new clinical paradigm, incidence and patient progress including clinical presentation, imaging and management.

Methods:

Clinical and radiological data was collected from electronic case records of all cases presenting with features of enthesitis/arthritis between October 2018 and January 2021.

Results:

Since initiation of dupilumab at GSTT, approximately 400 adults with moderate-to-severe AD have received at least one dose. Of these, 23 patients (14 men, 9 women) had the clinical syndrome of inflammatory enthesitis/tenosynovitis/arthritis. Nine patients had both enthesitis and arthritis, 10 enthesitis, 3 enthesitis and tenosynovitis and 1 arthritis only. Four of these also reported new onset inflammatory back pain symptoms. None had a preceding history of arthritis or enthesitis. Median onset of symptoms following initiation of dupilumab was 4 months. However, onset of symptoms ranged between 2 weeks and 48 months. Imaging (US/MRI) was performed in 18 patients, 11 with Doppler US positive enthesitis confirming clinical findings. Most common sites were lateral epicondyles, achilles and patella tendons. Two patients with more disabling symptoms had MRI confirmed gluteus medius and hamstring enthesitis and arthritis. Spine and SI joint MRI in 4 patients was negative. Most patients had normal inflammatory markers except 2; CRP 117, ESR 96 and CRP 13, ESR 10. All patients had very good AD response to dupilumab, average EASI score before and after Dupilumab was 21 and 4.2 respectively. One patient developed skin manifestations of guttate psoriasis, with subsequent disabling arthritis/enthesitis. Due to the life-changing beneficial effect of dupilumab therapy most patients did not want to stop therapy. We used NSAID therapy, etoricoxib/celecoxib/naproxen for symptom relief which was usually partly effective allowing continuation of dupilumab treatment in most. Five patients with severe MSK symptoms stopped Dupilumab completely. Some patients temporarily paused therapy but re-started as their AD became worse, often changing from the usual 2 weekly to 4 weekly dosing. Most patients continuing dupilumab had persistent MSK symptoms. Four patients who stopped dupilumab were treated with baricitinib, which has potential efficacy for both MSK symptoms and AD. Two did not tolerate it and remained on NSAID therapy.

Conclusion:

These data further characterize a new syndrome of enthesitis and/or arthritis induced by Dupilumab. In those with mild MSK symptoms use of NSAIDs allows continuation of full-dose dupilumab, in moderate cases reducing dupilumab dose frequency plus NSAID therapy maintains function. Most patients had on-going MSK symptoms. In more severe cases JAKi therapy may be an effective strategy. Our initial hypothesis that inhibition of IL-4/13 by dupilumab triggers an IL-17/23/TNF-mediated inflammatory MSK syndrome in some patients is supported by a recent in vitro study3.

References:

[1]Beck L et al. Dupilumab Treatment in Adults with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis. July 10, 2014. N Engl J Med 2014; 371:130-139

[2]Willsmore ZN et al. Development of inflammatory arthritis and enthesitis in patients on dupilumab: a case series. Br J Dermatol 2019; 0. doi:10.1111/bjd.18031.

[3]Bridegwood C et al. Regulation of entheseal IL-23 expression by IL-4 and IL-13 as an explanation for arthropathy development under dupilumab therapy. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2020 Nov 30:keaa568. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa568

Disclosure of Interests:

Joseph Nathan: None declared., Catherine Hughes Speakers bureau: Presented for Abbvie, Samir Patel: None declared., Libin Mathew: None declared., Catherine Smith Grant/research support from: Grants/research support; Professor Smith is a PI/CoPI on a number of commercially supported studie (Abbvie, Janssen, Leo, Sanofi)., Andrew Pink Paid instructor for: Speaker or advisor to Lilly, Abbvie, Sanofi, Leo, Almirall, Novartis, Janssen, UCB, Galderma, BMS, La-Roche Posay, Richard Woolf: None declared., Bina Menon Speakers bureau: Presented for Abbvie, L Bruce Kirkham Grant/research support from: Professor Kirkham has received honoraria and/or research funding from AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB.

Tralokinumab Improves Clinically Relevant Outcome Measures: A Post Hoc Analysis of ECZTRA 3, A Randomized Clinical Trial in Patients with Moderate-To-Severe Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract not available.

SAT0376 DOES SUPPRESSION OF IL-4 AND IL-13 LEAD TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW ONSET SPONDYLO-ARTHRITIS IN SUSCEPTIBLE PATIENTS?

Background:

Enthesitis is a key feature of peripheral Spondyloarthritis (SpA). Several pro-inflammatory cytokines including Interleukin-17 and Interleukin-23 are found within the enthesis (1). Dupilumab is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody that inhibits signalling of Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-13, approved for use in patients with moderate- to –severe atopic eczema. Here we describe a cohort of patients with severe atopic eczema who have developed a new peripheral SpA/ enthesitis after receiving Dupilumab.

Objectives:

To describe the clinical and imaging details of this cohort.

Methods:

All patients in St John’s Institute of Dermatology who exhibited new arthralgias on Dupilumab therapy were referred for assessment in Guy’s Rheumatology Department. These patients had a focussed history, examination, ultrasound and/or MRI of affected joints and entheseal sites.

Results:

To date we have seen 12 patients with a history of new inflammatory peripheral SpA type symptoms following onset of Dupilumab therapy. There were 7 males and 5 females all of whom have longstanding severe atopic Eczema. All patients had raised baseline IgE levels of mainly >10000. All patients exhibited a positive response to Dupilumab with a marked improvement in eczema as measured by the EASI score. All patients had normal inflammatory markers and negative immunological screening bloods. Musculoskeletal symptom onset was between 2 and 20 weeks after starting treatment. Typically, these patients had inflammatory symptoms affecting both the small joints and the entheseal sites. 2/12 patients developed inflammatory sounding spinal pain. 2/12 patients had ultrasound evidence of arthritis. 11/12 patients had radiological findings of enthesitis as seen on MRI or ultrasound (power doppler ultrasound signal). 9/12 patients were treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories with variable improvement.1 patient required no treatment and 1 patient received low dose prednisolone.

Conclusion:

In our centre approximately 200 patients have received Dupilumab. These musculoskeletal findings have not been reported previously in clinical trials. We hypothesise that the profound inhibition of IL- 4/13 may allow an inflammatory response at the enthesis presenting with a peripheral SpA pattern. IL-4 has been shown to suppress delayed type hypersensitivity reactions (DTHRs) and psoriasis in both human and mice studies (2). These findings and the demonstratation that IL-23 transcription and secretion can be suppressed by IL-4 with resultant reduction in Th17 function (3) may be key factors as to why a SpA type response is seen in certain subjects.

References:

[1]Bridgewood et al. Immunol Rev 2020 [Epub]

[2]Ghoreschi et al. Nat Med. 2003;9:40-6.

[3]Guenova et al. PNAS. 2015;112:2163-8.

Disclosure of Interests:

Catherine Hughes Speakers bureau: Lilly, Bina Menon Speakers bureau: Novartis, Richard Woolf: None declared, Zena Willsmore: None declared, Catherine Smith: None declared, Andrew Pink: None declared, L Bruce Kirkham Grant/research support from: Eli Lilly Novartis, Consultant of: Eli Lilly Gilead Janssen Novartis

P266 IL-4/13 inhibitor dupilumab associated with new onset peripheral axial spondyloarthritis in patients with atopic dermatitis

Background

Dupilumab is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody that inhibits signalling of interleukin-4 and interleukin-13. It has NICE approval for use in patients with moderate to severe atopic eczema who have failed at least one standard therapy. The main reported side effects in clinical trials were allergic conjunctivitis (1-5%), injection site reactions (8-19%) and herpes viral infections (3-7%).

Methods

Here we report symptoms and signs of a new peripheral axial spondyloarthritis/ psoriatic arthritis type presentation in 8 patients within 16 weeks of commencing dupilumab. This has not been described previously in the clinical trials patient population.

Results

These patients had a long history of atopy with severe eczema and raised baseline IgE levels of &gt; 12000. A positive response to dupilumab was seen in all patients as evidenced by marked improvements in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI). Musculoskeletal symptom onset began between 2 and 16 weeks after commencement of drug. Patients typically complained of inflammatory type pain in the small joints and entheseal sites. 2/8 patients had inflammatory sounding spinal pain. Early morning stiffness was common. All patients had normal acute phase reactants and one patient had a positive rheumatoid factor. 6/8 patients had radiologically evident enthesitis as seen on MRI or ultrasound (power doppler ultrasound signal-PDUS). 3/8 patients had such severe symptoms that they had to discontinue dupilumab. All patients were commenced on non-steroidal anti inflammatories. One patient was commenced on a low dose JAK inhibitor and exhibited improvement in musculoskeletal symptoms.

Conclusion

IL-4 has been shown to suppress delayed type hypersensitivity reactions (DTHRs) in both human and mice studies. It has been demonstrated previously that IL-4 can prevent bone erosion and disease progression in animal models of inflammatory arthritis. Guenova et al (2015) showed that IL-4 can selectively suppress IL-23 transcription and secretion with reduced Th17 function. They suggest that administration of IL-4 may be of therapeutic benefit in Th17 mediated inflammatory conditions. Conversely, dupilumab through the inhibition of IL-4 and IL-13 and possible resultant increased IL-17 and IL-23 levels, has perhaps unmasked a tendency towards development of a peripheral axial SpA phenotype in these patients.

Disclosures

C.D. Hughes None. B. Menon None. Z. Willsmore None. R. Woolf None. C. Smith Grants/research support; CS is a PI/CoPI on a number of commercially supported studie (Abbvie, Janssen, Leo, Sanofi). A. Pink None. B.W. Kirkham Consultancies; BK has worked as a consultant for Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen and Novartis. Grants/research support; BK has received research support from Eli Lilly and Novartis.

A small population, randomised, placebo-controlled trial to determine the efficacy of anakinra in the treatment of pustular psoriasis: study protocol for the APRICOT trial

Background

Palmoplantar pustulosis is a rare but painful and debilitating disease. It consistently ranks the highest of all psoriasis phenotypic variants in terms of symptoms and functional impairment. Management of plaque-type psoriasis has been revolutionised in the last 10 years with the advent of biologic therapies, but treatment options for pustular psoriasis remain profoundly limited. On the basis of mechanistic findings which suggest a key pathogenic role for interleukin (IL)-1 in pustular psoriasis, we hypothesise that anakinra (IL-1 blockade) will be an efficacious treatment for pustular psoriasis.

Methods/design

We will conduct a two-stage, adaptive, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial to test the hypothesis that anakinra, self-administered daily by subcutaneous injection over 8 weeks, will deliver therapeutic benefit in palmoplantar pustular psoriasis, a localised form of pustular psoriasis typically involving the palms and/or soles. Safety outcomes will be collected for 20 weeks. A total of 64 participants will be randomised to anakinra or placebo in a 1:1 ratio. At the end of stage 1, a decision to progress to stage 2 will be made. This decision will take place after 24 participants have been randomised and followed for 8 weeks and will be based on the ordering of the observed mean outcome values in both treatment arms. At the end of stage 1, the reliability of outcome measurements and method to collect the data will also be assessed, and the primary outcome will be confirmed for stage 2.

Discussion

We have undertaken an adaptive approach in which we will gain proof-of-concept data prior to completing a powered efficacy trial because pustular psoriasis is a rare disease, no validated outcome measures to detect change exist, and limited safety data for anakinra exist in this population. To our knowledge, this will be the first randomised controlled trial that will provide valuable evidence for the efficacy and safety of IL-1 blockade for treatment in pustular psoriasis.

Trial registration

ISRCTN13127147. Registered on 1st August 2016.

EudraCT, 2015-003600-23. Registered on 1st April 2016.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-2841-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Generalized Comedones, Acne, and Hidradenitis Suppurativa in a Patient with an FGFR2 Missense Mutation

Mutations in the fibroblast growth factor-receptor gene 2 (FGFR2) gene have been implicated in numerous diseases, including nevus comedonicus (NC) and naevoid acne that have somatic missense mutations in FGFR2 in the affected tissue. A patient presented in our department with unusual, innumerable large comedones throughout his back reminiscient of NC, as well as multifocal hidradenitis suppurativa and acne. Topical and systemic treatments were unsuccessful. Whole exome sequencing of blood-derived DNA detected a germline mutation in FGFR2 that was predicted to be damaging. This could explain the multifocal and severe nature of the disease. We suggest screening other, phenotypically similar patients for FGFR2 mutations. Our findings, once confirmed independently, could indicate that therapeutic modulation of FGFR signaling in the acne tetrad could be effective.

Automated measurement of unsaturated iron binding capacity is an effective screening strategy for C282Y homozygous haemochromatosis

BACKGROUND

C282Y hereditary haemochromatosis is an appropriate condition for population screening. Transferrin saturation, the best screening test to date, is relatively expensive, labour intensive, and cannot be automated. Unsaturated iron binding capacity is a surrogate marker of transferrin saturation and its measurement can be automated.

AIMS

To evaluate a screening strategy for C282Y hereditary haemochromatosis in a tertiary hospital environment based on unsaturated iron binding capacity as the initial screening test.

METHODS

Measurement of unsaturated iron binding capacity was adapted to the main laboratory analyser. An unsaturated iron binding capacity of less than 30 micromol/l was identified as an appropriate decision point and 5182 consecutive subjects were screened over 28 consecutive days.

RESULTS

Of those screened, 697 had an unsaturated iron binding capacity less than 30 micromol/l. Of these, transferrin saturation was greater than 40% in 294. A total of 227 were able to be genotyped for the C282Y mutation. Nine subjects homozygous for C282Y were identified. Based on full cost recovery, affected persons were identified at a cost of Aus$2268.77 per case (approximately US$1496).

CONCLUSION

Automated measurement of unsaturated iron binding capacity enables a cost effective, large scale population screening programme for C282Y hereditary haemochromatosis to be developed.