Psoriasis Severity, Health-Related Quality of Life, Work Productivity, and Activity Impairments Among Patients With Moderate to Severe Psoriasis Receiving Systemic Treatment: Real-World Data From Clinical Practice in Spain.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The treatment of psoriasis should not only focus on skin affectations but also weigh the parameters for health-related quality of life (HRQoL), thereby tackling the concept of cumulative life course impairment (CLCI) and treating the patient from a holistic perspective. The CRYSTAL study aimed to characterize psoriasis with real-word data from Spanish clinical practice in patients with moderate to severe disease who received continuous systemic treatment for at least 24 weeks by using the absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and its correlation to HRQoL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a non-interventional, cross-sectional study conducted in 30 centers in Spain, with 301 patients between the ages of 18 and 75 years. The study collected data regarding current treatment and absolute PASI and their relationship to HRQoL using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), to activity impairment using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire, and to treatment satisfaction. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age was 50.5 (12.5) years, with a duration of disease of 14 (14.1) years. The mean (SD) absolute PASI reported was 2.3 (3.5), with 28.7% of patients presenting with PASI from >1 to ≤3 and 22.6% with PASI>3. Higher PASI scores were associated with higher DLQI (p<0.001) and WPAI scores and lower levels of treatment satisfaction (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that achieving lower absolute PASI values may correlate not only with better HRQoL but also with better work productivity and treatment satisfaction.

Psoriasis Severity, Health-Related Quality of Life, Work Productivity, and Activity Impairments Among Patients With Moderate to Severe Psoriasis Receiving Systemic Treatment: Real-World Data From Clinical Practice in Spain. / [Artículo traducido] Gravedad de la psoriasis, calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, productividad laboral y deterioro de la actividad en pacientes con psoriasis moderada a grave que reciben tratamiento sistémico: datos de la vida real de la práctica clínica en España.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The treatment of psoriasis should not only focus on skin affectations but also weigh the parameters for health-related quality of life (HRQoL), thereby tackling the concept of cumulative life course impairment (CLCI) and treating the patient from a holistic perspective. The CRYSTAL study aimed to characterize psoriasis with real-word data from Spanish clinical practice in patients with moderate to severe disease who received continuous systemic treatment for at least 24 weeks by using the absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and its correlation to HRQoL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a non-interventional, cross-sectional study conducted in 30 centers in Spain, with 301 patients between the ages of 18 and 75 years. The study collected data regarding current treatment and absolute PASI and their relationship to HRQoL using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), to activity impairment using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire, and to treatment satisfaction. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age was 50.5 (12.5) years, with a duration of disease of 14 (14.1) years. The mean (SD) absolute PASI reported was 2.3 (3.5), with 28.7% of patients presenting with PASI from >1 to ≤3 and 22.6% with PASI>3. Higher PASI scores were associated with higher DLQI (p<0.001) and WPAI scores and lower levels of treatment satisfaction (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that achieving lower absolute PASI values may correlate not only with better HRQoL but also with better work productivity and treatment satisfaction.

Estimation of the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in Spain: The Latent study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy for moderate to severe psoriasis can increase the risk of active tuberculosis in patients who have latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of LTBI in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis being treated in dermatology clinics in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Non-interventional, cross-sectional, national epidemiological study conducted in Spain in 2011-2012. Patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis were included if they had undergone at least one tuberculin skin test (TST) and/or been evaluated with an interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (QuantiFERON(®) TB Gold In-Tube) in the 2 years preceding the study. RESULTS: Data for 440 patients were valid for analysis. In total, 97.7% of the patients had undergone a TST, with a positive result in 23%. Of the 238 patients in whom the initial result was negative, 5% converted to positive on re-testing for a booster effect. IGRA results were available for 16.8%, 20.5% of them positive. Two of the patients with positive IGRA results had a negative TST. The prevalence of LTBI in the whole sample was 26.6%. The degree of concordance between the TST and the IGRA was moderate (κ=0.516; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of LTBI in this study was similar to previous estimates for Spain.

Notalgia paresthetica: treatment using intradermal botulinum toxin A.

INTRODUCTION: Notalgia paresthetica is a sensory mononeuropathy that affects dorsal segments T2 to T6. It can have a significant effect on quality of life. Numerous treatments have been used with variable results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five patients diagnosed with notalgia paresthetica were treated with intradermal botulinum toxin A. None had achieved relief of the pruritus with previous treatments. RESULTS: Variable results were observed after the administration of intradermal botulinum toxin. Complete resolution of the pruritus was not achieved in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin A appears to be a safe therapeutic option for patients with notalgia paresthetica. However, data currently available come from small patient series, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions regarding the true efficacy and long-term effects of this treatment.

Expert report on psoriasis: Spanish dermatologists' opinions on the use of biologic agents to manage moderate to severe psoriasis in adults.

BACKGROUND: Although national guidelines on biologic agents for treating moderate to severe psoriasis in adults have been published in several countries, increased knowledge on the practical aspects of their implementation is required. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to survey Spanish dermatologists to determine their expert opinions on practical aspects of psoriasis treatment with biologics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was sent to 309 dermatologists who belong to the Spanish Psoriasis Group and/or the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV). The questionnaire was designed specifically for the study and included items on various aspects of the treatment of psoriasis in clinical practice. Six coordinators in different geographic areas worked together to write the final expert report. RESULTS: The response rate was 97% (300 returned questionnaires). The biologics preferred, or considered to be the best option (median score 4 out of 4 points) by respondents, were infliximab for its short-term efficacy (74% of the respondents) and rapid onset of action (78%); ustekinumab for convenience of administration (73%); and etanercept because of its suitability for cyclic treatment (71%), safety in long-term use (72%), and the possibility of temporary interruption of treatment under certain circumstances (76%). Etanercept was assigned the highest evaluations for safety and expected survival time (scored 5 on each item by 49% and 33% of the respondents, respectively). Thirty percent of the respondents considered that clinical guidelines contain important information for therapeutic management of psoriasis. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a unique perspective on the opinions of a large sample of dermatologists as regards current treatment of psoriasis with biologics in Spain.

Clinical diagnosis of toenail onychomycosis is possible in some patients: cross-sectional diagnostic study and development of a diagnostic rule.

BACKGROUND: Suspected toenail onychomycosis is a frequent problem. Clinical diagnosis has been considered inadequate. OBJECTIVES: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of clinical findings for detecting fungi in toenails, and to develop and validate a clinical diagnostic rule aimed at improving dermatologists' diagnosis of onychomycosis. METHODS: A cross-sectional diagnostic study was performed including a total of 277 patients seen by 12 dermatologists. The gold standard was the presence of dermatophytes on culture or a positive nail plate biopsy. For each sign we described prevalence, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and likelihood ratios for positive and negative results. We developed a diagnostic clinical rule and validated it in a subsample. RESULTS: Helpful findings to predict the presence of fungi are: previous diagnosis of fungal disease; abnormal plantar desquamation (affecting > 25% of the sole); onychomycosis considered the most probable diagnosis by a dermatologist; and presence of interdigital tinea. When dermatologists considered onychomycosis the most probable diagnosis and plantar desquamation was present (13% of patients), the positive predictive value for presence of fungi was 81%. When both signs were absent (34% of patients), the positive predictive value for absence of fungi was 71%. In other situations, clinical diagnosis might not give enough information to decide on therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In 13% of the patients (a large number in absolute terms), when dermatologists consider onychomycosis the most probable diagnosis and plantar desquamation is present, therapy should be started without any further test, as clinical diagnosis is at least as accurate as laboratory tests. In other situations, an optimal management strategy should be defined.

Notalgia paresthesica successfully treated with narrow-band UVB: report of five cases.

BACKGROUND: Notalgia paresthesica is a disorder of unknown origin characterized by pruritus localized to the patients' back. Local pain, burning or paresthesias have also been described. No definite treatments have been found for this disorder and most of those reported to date are anecdotal. Topical capsaicin is the option most widely used among dermatologists. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, gabapentin, oxcarbazepine and botulinum toxin have recently shown promising effects. UVB has been used for decades to treat different pruritic skin diseases, but its benefits in the management of NP have not been stated to date. OBJECTIVES: To test the effects of UVB in notalgia paresthesica. Methods We used a course of UVB narrow band to treat five patients with notalgia paresthesica. The treatment was administered following a phototype protocol in a UV 7002 cabinet. RESULTS: We provide the results of a course of UVB narrow-band phototherapy in five patients. Phototherapy contributed substantially to improve pruritus in all of them. CONCLUSION: Given the benefits achieved, we stress the interest of UVB narrow-band as a safe and well tolerated alternative treatment for notalgia paresthetica.

[Short term efficacy and safety of etanercept in psoriasis]. / Eficacia y seguridad a corto plazo de etanercept en la psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic disease that occurs in episodes and which, in a certain moment of its evolution or in some patients, may affect a large portion of the body surface with serious physical and psychological repercussions. The treatment used in this type of patient is associated to many side effects and requires numerous clinical and laboratory controls. We present a clinical case of severe psoriasis that presented a rapid and complete response to etanercept. Based on this case, we performed a bibliographic review aimed at the short-term safety and efficacy aspects, less than 12 weeks of treatment, in psoriatic patients treated with this molecule.

Observer agreement in toenail disorders: implications for diagnosis and clinical research.

BACKGROUND: Toenail disorders are frequent, especially onychomycosis. The interobserver variability of nail signs needs to be known before these signs can be confidently applied for diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: To describe observer agreement in toenail findings as described by dermatologists in standard clinical practice, focusing on signs that could be useful for diagnosis of onychomycosis. METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional study in five dermatology departments. Eighty-six patients with abnormal toenails that could have onychomycosis as a differential diagnosis were independently examined by a pair of dermatologists using a predefined questionnaire, to describe the presence of 10 findings on previous history and 14 physical signs. RESULTS: Agreement was fine for previous history findings: it was very good (kappa > 0.81) for previous diagnosis of diabetes, smoking and use of public dressing rooms or swimming pools. Agreement was good (kappa 0.61-0.80) for immune suppression (drugs or cancer), previous diagnosis of fungal disease and worsening in the last year. It was moderate (kappa 0.41-0.60) for previous diagnosis of arterial disease, trauma induced by work or sports, and distal vs. proximal or lateral vs. central start of the lesion. Agreement was worse for physical signs: we found good agreement for the presence of the same disease in fingernails, abnormal plantar desquamation, deformity causing nail trauma, and subungual hyperkeratosis. It was moderate for the presence of nail destruction, tinea interdigitalis, onycholysis, and the type of material obtained by subungual curettage (dust vs. hard). Agreement was fair (kappa 0.21-0.40) for the presence of longitudinal or transverse striae, trachyonychia, pachyonychia, and change in colour of the nail plate. Pitting was too infrequent to allow for kappa calculation. Chance expected agreement was between 51% and 84% for all signs except pitting. CONCLUSIONS: Agreement is adequate for most signs. It is low for the presence of longitudinal or transverse striae, trachyonychia, and change in colour of the nail plate. Pitting is rare in toenails.

Systemic Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis in Pediatric Patients in Galicia, Spain: A Descriptive Study. / Tratamiento sistémico de la psoriasis moderada-grave en edad pediátrica en Galicia: estudio descriptivo.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Studies on the use of systemic therapy for psoriasis in pediatric patients are scarce. The main aim of this study was to describe the systemic treatments used for moderate to severe psoriasis in pediatric clinical settings. The second aim was to describe the effectiveness and safety of these treatments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study of patients under 18 years of age with moderate to severe psoriasis who were being treated or had been treated with a systemic drug (conventional or biologic) or phototherapy. We recorded demographic and clinical information, treatments received, tolerance, adverse effects, and response to treatment. RESULTS: Data were collected for 40 patients (60% female; mean age, 13 years) who had received 63 treatments in total. The most common first treatment (n=40) was phototherapy (administered to 68% of patients), followed by acitretin (15%). The most common treatments overall (n=63) were phototherapy (57%) and methotrexate (16%). At week 12 (evaluation of systemic treatment and phototherapy), 66% of the patients were classified as good responders and 22% as partial responders. The respective rates for week 24 (evaluation of systemic treatment only) were 36% and 32%. The treatments were well tolerated (97%) and adverse effects were reported in just 11% of cases. There were no treatment discontinuations because of adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Phototherapy, followed by methotrexate, was the most common treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis in this series of patients under 18 years. The treatments showed a favorable safety profile and were associated with a good response rate of 66% at week 12 (systemic treatment and phototherapy) and 36% at week 24 (systemic treatment only).