Use of biological treatments in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.

INTRODUCTION: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease which causes a great impact in the quality of life. Multiple therapeutic options have been proposed, and recently the potential use of biological drugs in severe cases has been postulated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study from seven tertiary Spanish centers reviewing the charts of patients with HS treated with biological drugs was performed. Retrieved information included epidemiological data, clinical features, pain intensity, Hurley stage, laboratory data and therapeutic outcomes. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were included in the study; 10 men (52.6%) and 9 women. Eight patients (42%) showed a Hurley severity stage II and 11 a stage III (57.8%). Adalimumab was prescribed as the first biological treatment in nine out of 19 cases (47.3%), whereas infliximab was prescribed in seven cases (36.8%), ustekinumab in two cases (10.5%) and etanercept in one (5.2%). A complete response was observed in three patients (two cases with infliximab and one case with ustekinumab), a partial improvement in 10 patients and in six patients no clinical improvement was noted. One patient referred worsening of the skin symptoms. In 6 cases, a second biological treatment was prescribed. In three of such cases, a partial improvement was noted, whereas in three cases no clinical improvement was observed. In two cases a switch to a third biological drug was indicated, with a partial improvement in one case. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Biological drugs could be a potential and effective therapeutic option for patients with severe HS. Complete and persistent clinical responses are rarely obtained (15%) and partial responses are achieved in approximately 50% of patients. No specific markers for a therapeutic response have been identified. No definitive conclusions regarding the most effective biological drug for HS could be drawn. Higher dosage schedules seem to be associated with higher response rates. The lack of response of one particular drug does not preclude a potential efficacy to another biological treatment.

Directrices del grupo español de psoriasis (GEP) basadas en la evidencia para el uso de medicamentos biológicos en pacientes con psoriasis en localizaciones de difícil tratamiento (uñas, cuero cabelludo, palmas y plantas) / Evidence-Based Guidelines of the Spanish Psoriasis Group on the Use of Biologic Therapy in Patients With Psoriasis in Difficult-to-Treat Sites (Nails, Scalp, Palms, and Soles)

El término de psoriasis en localizaciones de difícil tratamiento se emplea para hacer referencia a la psoriasis localizada en el cuero cabelludo, las uñas, las palmas y las plantas y que requiere un manejo diferenciado. A menudo los pacientes presentan un importante impacto físico y emocional, unido a la dificultad para controlar adecuadamente sus lesiones con tratamientos tópicos, debido a una insuficiente penetración de los principios activos y la escasa cosmeticidad de los vehículos empleados. Esta circunstancia justifica que la psoriasis en estas localizaciones pueda ser considerada grave, a pesar de su extensión limitada. La experiencia con terapias biológicas en estas localizaciones es escasa, en general en el contexto de ensayos clínicos de formas extensas de psoriasis moderada y grave, junto con series limitadas o casos aislados. En el presente artículo se presenta la calidad de la evidencia científica para los 4 agentes biológicos disponibles en España (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab y ustekinumab) siendo de nivel i en el caso de la psoriasis ungueal (nivel de recomendación A) y algo inferior en la psoriasis del cuero cabelludo y palmoplantar

Psoriatic lesions affecting the scalp, nails, palms, and the soles of the feet are described as difficult-to-treat psoriasis and require specific management. Involvement of these sites often has a significant physical and emotional impact on the patient and the lesions are difficult to control with topical treatments owing to inadequate penetration of active ingredients and the poor cosmetic characteristics of the vehicles used. Consequently, when difficult-to-treat sites are involved, psoriasis can be considered severe even though the lesions are not extensive. Scant information is available about the use of biologic therapy in this setting, and published data generally comes from clinical trials of patients who also had moderate to severe extensive lesions or from small case series and isolated case reports. In this article we review the quality of the scientific evidence for the 4 biologic agents currently available in Spain (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, and ustekinumab) and report level i evidence for the use of biologics to treat nail psoriasis (level of recommendation A) and a somewhat lower level of evidence in the case of scalp involvement and palmoplantar psoriasis

Evidence-based guidelines of the spanish psoriasis group on the use of biologic therapy in patients with psoriasis in difficult-to-treat sites (nails, scalp, palms, and soles).

Psoriatic lesions affecting the scalp, nails, palms, and the soles of the feet are described as difficult-to-treat psoriasis and require specific management. Involvement of these sites often has a significant physical and emotional impact on the patient and the lesions are difficult to control with topical treatments owing to inadequate penetration of active ingredients and the poor cosmetic characteristics of the vehicles used. Consequently, when difficult-to-treat sites are involved, psoriasis can be considered severe even though the lesions are not extensive. Scant information is available about the use of biologic therapy in this setting, and published data generally comes from clinical trials of patients who also had moderate to severe extensive lesions or from small case series and isolated case reports. In this article we review the quality of the scientific evidence for the 4 biologic agents currently available in Spain (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, and ustekinumab) and report level i evidence for the use of biologics to treat nail psoriasis (level of recommendation A) and a somewhat lower level of evidence in the case of scalp involvement and palmoplantar psoriasis.

Directrices españolas basadas en la evidencia para el tratamiento de la psoriasis con agentes biológicos, 2013. I. Consideraciones de eficacia y selección del tratamiento / Spanish Evidence-Based Guidelines on the Treatment of Psoriasis With Biologic Agents, 2013. Part 1: On Efficacy and Choice of Treatment

La terapia biológica representa una alternativa bien establecida en el manejo de la psoriasis moderada y grave. Sin embargo, su elevado coste, la experiencia relativamente limitada en su empleo clínico y la abundancia de publicaciones existentes hacen necesario el desarrollo de unas directrices basadas en la evidencia científica disponible y en el consenso de un grupo de expertos. El objetivo ideal del tratamiento de la psoriasis es conseguir y mantener a largo plazo un blanqueamiento completo o prácticamente completo o, en su defecto, una mínima afectación localizada y controlable con tratamientos tópicos. Aunque la evidencia disponible permite comparar de forma directa o indirecta la eficacia y las posibilidades de fracaso terapéutico primario o secundario de los diferentes fármacos según parámetros objetivos, las limitaciones en la extrapolación de los ensayos clínicos a la clínica diaria condicionan que la elección del fármaco y de la pauta de administración se realicen de forma individualizada en función de las características de cada paciente. La presente actualización de las directrices para el tratamiento de la psoriasis con agentes biológicos de la Academia Española de Dermatología y Venereología (AEDV) incorpora la información más reciente disponible a este respecto (AU)

Biologic therapy is a well-established strategy for managing moderate and severe psoriasis. Nevertheless, the high cost of such therapy, the relatively short span of clinical experience with biologics, and the abundance of literature now available on these agents have made evidence-based and consensus-based clinical guidelines necessary. The ideal goal of psoriasis treatment is to achieve complete or nearly complete clearing of lesions and to maintain it over time. Failing that ideal, the goal would be to reduce involvement to localized lesions that can be controlled with topical therapy. Although current evidence allows us to directly or indirectly compare the efficacy or risk of primary or secondary failure of available biologics based on objective outcomes, clinical trial findings cannot be directly translated to routine practice. As a result, the prescribing physician must tailor the treatment regimen to the individual patient. This update of the clinical practice guidelines issued by the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) on biologic therapy for psoriasis incorporates information from the most recent publications on this topic (AU)

Evaluación clínica y terapéutica de los pacientes con psoriasis moderada o grave en España. Estudio Secuence / Clinical and Therapeutic Evaluation of Patients with Moderate to Severe Psoriasis in Spain: The Secuence Study

Introducción: La evaluación de la gravedad de la psoriasis se considera esencial en el manejo terapéutico óptimo de los pacientes. Objetivos: Descripción de las características clínicas y perfil terapéutico de los pacientes con psoriasis moderada a grave en el ámbito español, evaluando su impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, de corte transversal, realizado en 90 unidades dermatológicas en España en 2009. Se incluyeron 442 pacientes diagnosticados de psoriasis moderada a grave que habían iniciado tratamiento con fármacos sistémicos, fototerapia y/o tratamientos tópicos entre 2004 y 2006. Resultados: Los pacientes con psoriasis más grave presentaron de forma significativa un mayor tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad, mayor prevalencia de enfermedades concomitantes y mayor afectación ungueal, del cuero cabelludo, de las flexuras y de la zona palmo-plantar, así como peor calidad de vida. Durante los 5 años previos al inicio del estudio el 68% de los pacientes recibieron tratamientos sistémicos convencionales, el 39,1% fármacos biológicos y el 22,3% fototerapia. En la actualidad el 57,5% estaban siendo tratados con algún fármaco biológico, el 32,6% recibían fármacos sistémicos convencionales y el 11% fototerapia. Conclusiones: La gravedad de la psoriasis se asoció en nuestro estudio con una marcada afectación de la calidad de vida. Independientemente de la gravedad de la psoriasis, el mayor predictor de mala calidad de vida fue la comorbilidad psiquiátrica. El tiempo medio de permanencia en otros tratamientos, incluyendo sistémicos convencionales o fototerapia, hasta el cambio a un primer biológico fue superior a los 2 años (AU)

Background: Evaluation of disease severity is considered essential in the optimal management of psoriasis. Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics and therapeutic profile of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis in Spain and to assess the impact of the disease on the patients’quality of life. Materials and methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional study carried out in 90 dermatology units in Spain in 2009. We included 442 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe psoriasis who had started treatment with systemic agents, phototherapy, and/or topical treatments between 2004 and 2006. Results: More severe psoriasis was significantly associated with the following: longer disease duration; higher prevalence of concomitant disease; greater involvement of the nails, scalp, flexures, palms, and soles; and poorer quality of life. In the 5 years before the start of the study,68% of the patients had received conventional systemic treatments, 39.1% biologic agents, and22.3% phototherapy. At present, 57.5% of the patients are being treated with biologic agents,32.6% with conventional systemic treatments, and 11% with phototherapy. Conclusions: Severity of psoriasis was associated with a marked impact on quality of life. Regardless of disease severity, psychiatric comorbidity was the strongest predictor of poor quality of life. On average, patients had received other treatments, such as conventional systemic treatments or phototherapy, for more than 2 years before switching to biologic agents for the first time (AU)

Clinical and therapeutic evaluation of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis in Spain: the secuence study.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of disease severity is considered essential in the optimal management of psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical characteristics and therapeutic profile of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis in Spain and to assess the impact of the disease on the patients' quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional study carried out in 90 dermatology units in Spain in 2009. We included 442 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe psoriasis who had started treatment with systemic agents, phototherapy, and/or topical treatments between 2004 and 2006. RESULTS: More severe psoriasis was significantly associated with the following: longer disease duration; higher prevalence of concomitant disease; greater involvement of the nails, scalp, flexures, palms, and soles; and poorer quality of life. In the 5 years before the start of the study, 68% of the patients had received conventional systemic treatments, 39.1% biologic agents, and 22.3% phototherapy. At present, 57.5% of the patients are being treated with biologic agents, 32.6% with conventional systemic treatments, and 11% with phototherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Severity of psoriasis was associated with a marked impact on quality of life. Regardless of disease severity, psychiatric comorbidity was the strongest predictor of poor quality of life. On average, patients had received other treatments, such as conventional systemic treatments or phototherapy, for more than 2 years before switching to biologic agents for the first time.

Ustekinumab. Otros usos. Otras formas de psoriasis. Otras patologías cutáneas / Ustekinumab. Other uses. Other forms of psoriasis. Other skin conditions

Ustekinumab es un anticuerpo monoclonal humano anti interleucina 12 y 23. En los ensayos clínicos pivotales quedó probada su eficacia y seguridad a nivel de la psoriasis en placas moderada-severa. Asimismo, cabe destacar que en dichos ensayos se utilizó también el índice de severidad de psoriasis ungueal para evaluar su efectividad en la psoriasis ungueal. Los pacientes tratados en el ensayo PHOENIX 1 (n=545) mostraron que las lesiones ungueales mejoraron de forma progresiva hasta la semana 52, si bien en la semana 12, después de dos dosis de ustekinumab, la mediana de la mejoría de las puntuaciones NASPI respecto al valor basal fue del 25%, llegando al 50% en la semana 24. Por otro lado, desde su reciente incorporación, ustekinumab también se ha empleado en otras formas de psoriasis (pustulosa, palmo-plantar, eritrodérmica) y también en otras enfermedades (pitiriasis rubra pilaris, hidradenitis supurativa y dermatitis atópica) (AU)

Ustekinumab is a human monoclonal antibody directed against IL-12 and IL-23. Pivotal clinical trials have proven its efficacy and safety in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The same trials have also evaluated the efficacy of this drug in nail psoriasis using the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI). Patients treated in the PHOENIX 1 trial (n=545) showed progressive improvement in NAPSI scores up to week 52. At week 12, after 2 doses of ustekinumab, the median improvement from baseline was 25% and at week 24, it was 50%. Since its recent approval for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, ustekinumab has been used to treat other forms of psoriasis (pustular, palmoplantar, and erythrodermic psoriasis) and other diseases (pityriasis rubra pilaris, hidradenitis suppurativa, and atopic dermatitis) (AU)

Clinical and Therapeutic Evaluation of Patients with Moderate to Severe Psoriasis in Spain: The Secuence Study. / Evaluación clínica y terapéutica de los pacientes con psoriasis moderada o grave en España. Estudio Secuence.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of disease severity is considered essential in the optimal management of psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical characteristics and therapeutic profile of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis in Spain and to assess the impact of the disease on the patients' quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional study carried out in 90 dermatology units in Spain in 2009. We included 442 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe psoriasis who had started treatment with systemic agents, phototherapy, and/or topical treatments between 2004 and 2006. RESULTS: More severe psoriasis was significantly associated with the following: longer disease duration; higher prevalence of concomitant disease; greater involvement of the nails, scalp, flexures, palms, and soles; and poorer quality of life. In the 5 years before the start of the study, 68% of the patients had received conventional systemic treatments, 39.1% biologic agents, and 22.3% phototherapy. At present, 57.5% of the patients are being treated with biologic agents, 32.6% with conventional systemic treatments, and 11% with phototherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Severity of psoriasis was associated with a marked impact on quality of life. Regardless of disease severity, psychiatric comorbidity was the strongest predictor of poor quality of life. On average, patients had received other treatments, such as conventional systemic treatments or phototherapy, for more than 2 years before switching to biologic agents for the first time.

Documento de consenso de fototerapia en psoriasis del Grupo Español de Psoriasis: ultravioleta B de banda estrecha (UVBBE), láser y fuentes monocromáticas de excímeros y terapia fotodinámica / Narrowband UV-B, Monochromatic Excimer Laser, and Photodynamic Therapy in Psoriasis: A Consensus Statement of the Spanish Psoriasis Group

Los nuevos conocimientos y estrategias terapéuticas y de manejo de la psoriasis moderada y grave justifican la reevaluación del papel de los tratamientos clásicos en el manejo de estas formas de la enfermedad. En el presente documento se lleva a cabo la evaluación de la terapia ultravioleta B de banda estrecha (UVBBE) considerada en la actualidad, por su relación entre riesgo y beneficio, como la de primera elección en la fototerapia de la psoriasis. Por otra parte, se ha revisado y evaluado la terapia con sistemas y láseres de excímeros y la terapia fotodinámica en la psoriasis. El uso de estas terapias localizadas, aún limitado a pocos centros a escala nacional, constituye una alternativa terapéutica fundamentalmente en formas limitadas y recalcitrantes de psoriasis. En el siguiente documento se evalúan el perfil de eficacia, la seguridad, los esquemas terapéuticos, el tratamiento combinado y diversas consideraciones clínicas en función del perfil del paciente o de las características de la enfermedad (AU)

Novel treatment strategies and new information concerning the management of moderate to severe psoriasis justify a reassessment of the role of the classic therapies in this setting. This consensus statement evaluates narrowband UV-B therapy, which is currently considered the phototherapy option of choice in psoriasis because of its risk-to-benefit ratio. The role of excimer laser and photodynamic therapies are also discussed. These targeted therapies are still only available in a small number of centers in Spain and are used principally in the treatment of localized and recalcitrant forms of psoriasis. We discuss the efficacy and safety of phototherapy as well as treatment regimens, combination therapy, and clinical considerations relating to the characteristics of the patient or the disease (AU)

[Narrowband UV-B, monochromatic excimer laser, and photodynamic therapy in psoriasis: a consensus statement of the Spanish Psoriasis Group]. / Documento de consenso de fototerapia en psoriasis del Grupo Español de Psoriasis: ultravioleta B de banda estrecha (UVBBE), láser y fuentes monocromáticas de excímeros y terapia fotodinámica.

Novel treatment strategies and new information concerning the management of moderate to severe psoriasis justify a reassessment of the role of the classic therapies in this setting. This consensus statement evaluates narrowband UV-B therapy, which is currently considered the phototherapy option of choice in psoriasis because of its risk-to-benefit ratio. The role of excimer laser and photodynamic therapies are also discussed. These targeted therapies are still only available in a small number of centers in Spain and are used principally in the treatment of localized and recalcitrant forms of psoriasis. We discuss the efficacy and safety of phototherapy as well as treatment regimens, combination therapy, and clinical considerations relating to the characteristics of the patient or the disease.

Nail psoriasis: a retrospective study on the effectiveness of systemic treatments (classical and biological therapy).

BACKGROUND: Nail psoriasis represents a challenge for specialists. There is no comparative study of systemic treatment's effectiveness at this site. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the response of nail psoriasis to classical and biological therapy and to compare the effectiveness and safety of the different treatments. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 84 patients with moderate-severe psoriasis seen at our Department between January 2006 and January 2009. RESULTS: Psoriasis was severe in 53.4%. In 75% of cases, the fingernails were affected, and the mixed form was the most frequently subtype. The mean baseline scores on the PASI and the NAPSI were 23.12 and 14.7 respectively; the correlation between the two scores fell at weeks 12 and 24 but had risen again at week 48. The baseline NAPSI score tended to be lower in women and significantly higher in patients over 65 years of age, family history of psoriasis, severe psoriasis and nail matrix involvement. In our series, 58.3% received classical treatment (acitretin, methotrexate, cyclosporin, PUVA, NUVB, REPUVA, RENUVB) and 41.7% received biological treatment (infliximab, efalizumab, etanercept, adalimumab).Significant reductions were found (P < 0.05) in the mean NAPSI scores at 12, 24 and 48 weeks with all the antipsoriatic agents except NUVB; significantly greater with cyclosporine (P < 0.01) and biological as infliximab and adalimumab at 12 and 24 weeks (differences between treatments disappeared at 48 weeks). CONCLUSION: The response to treatment is slower in the nail lesions than in the skin lesions. The improvement of nail psoriasis is significant both with the classical treatments significantly higher in cyclosporin; and biological treatment (infliximab and adalimumab at 12 and 24 weeks).

Efectos adversos observados durante la terapia biológica en la psoriasis. Resultados de una encuesta al Grupo Español de Psoriasis / Adverse reactions during biological therapy for psoriasis: results of a survey of the Spanish Psoriasis Group

Introducción: La terapia biológica ha representado un avance muy importante en el tratamiento de la psoriasis, al tratarse de una generación de fármacos más selectivos y con mejor perfil de seguridad a corto y medio plazo. Existen datos sólidos a favor de la eficacia de cada uno de estos fármacos, así como de su seguridad. A pesar de ello, siempre es útil aportar la experiencia clínica de dermatólogos expertos en el tratamiento de la psoriasis con biológicos, en especial en lo referente a su seguridad. Material y métodos: Se realizó una encuesta a los miembros del Grupo Español de Psoriasis (GEP) basada en una serie de ítems relativos a aspectos referentes a la seguridad clínica de estos fármacos, cuyos resultados se presentan en este artículo. Un total de 988 pacientes tratados con efalizumab, etanercept, infliximab y adalimumab fueron recogidos por parte de 15 miembros del GEP. Resultados: Entre los resultados obtenidos destaca la elevada proporción de reacciones a infliximab (34%). Se observaron alteraciones analíticas en el 13,25% de los pacientes e infecciones en el 12,24%, con un único caso de tuberculosis pulmonar. Es de destacar el perfil de efectos secundarios de efalizumab: artritis de novo en el 5,8% y rebote en el 20,9%. Conclusión: Los datos de seguridad aportados por nuestro trabajo deben tenerse en consideración, habida cuenta del importante número de pacientes reclutados por un grupo de dermatólogos expertos en el manejo de este tipo de fármacos (AU)

Background: Biologic therapies have been a major breakthrough in the treatment of psoriasis because they are more selective and have a better short-term and medium-term safety profile. There are reliable data to support both the efficacy and the safety of these drugs. However, it is always useful to report the clinical experience of dermatologists who are experts in the use of biologic agents to treat psoriasis, particularly with regard to their safety. Material and Methods: We present the results of a survey administered to the members of Spanish Psoriasis Group and based on a series of questions referring to the clinical safety of these agents. A total of 988 patients treated with efalizumab, infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab were reported by 15 members of the group. Results: There was a particularly high proportion of reactions (34%) to infliximab infusions. Blood test abnormalities were detected in 13.25% of patients and infections in 12.24%, with one case of pulmonary tuberculosis. Attention is drawn to the adverse effects profile of efalizumab: de novo arthritis in 5.8% and rebound in 20.9% of patients. Conclusion: The safety data provided by our study should be taken into account in view of the large number of patients recruited by dermatologists experienced in the use of this type of therapy (AU)

[An update on scalp psoriasis]. / Psoriasis del cuero cabelludo.

Between 50 % and 80 % of patients with psoriasis have involvement of the scalp. The clinical presentation of scalp psoriasis can be very varied, with disease severity ranging from mild to extremely severe.The disease may have a major psychological impact. Treatment should be tailored to each individual in order to achieve a good clinical response or blanching that lasts for as long as possible, with a safe and convenient regimen. Many different treatments have been tried: phototherapy, pulsed magnetic fields, Grenz rays, keratolytics, coal tar, antifungals, dithranol, retinoids, vitamin D analogues, corticosteroids, and systemic treatment. Ideally, for scalp psoriasis, treatment should be effective; applied in the form of a lotion, foam, or emulsion; require few applications per week; and have proven long-term safety. One such treatment is potent corticosteroids and vitamin D3 analogues in combination, which has a fast onset of action and proven long-term safety.

Psoriasis del cuero cabelludo / An Update on Scalp Psoriasis

La psoriasis del cuero cabelludo afecta al 50-80 % de los pacientes psoriásicos. Su presentación clínica puede ser muy variable: desde una enfermedad leve hasta formas muy graves. Esta condición puede provocar un gran impacto psicológico. El principal objetivo del tratamiento es individualizar el mismo en cada paciente, conseguir una buena respuesta clínica o el blanqueo mediante un tratamiento seguro y cómodo, con una respuesta lo más duradera posible. Se han usado múltiples tratamientos: fototerapia, campos magnéticos pulsátiles, rayos Grenz, queratolíticos, alquitrán de hulla, antifúngicos, ditranol, retinoides, análogos de la vitamina D, corticoesteroides y tratamiento sistémico. El perfil farmacológico ideal para tratar la psoriasis del cuero cabelludo es aquel que sea efectivo, de aplicación intermitente pocas veces por semana en forma de loción, espuma o emulsión y seguro a largo plazo, como la combinación de corticoesteroides potentes y análogos de la vitamina D3, con efecto rápido inicial y seguridad a largo plazo demostrada respectivamente (AU)

Between 50 % and 80 % of patients with psoriasis have involvement of the scalp. The clinical presentation of scalp psoriasis can be very varied, with disease severity ranging from mild to extremely severe. The disease may have a major psychological impact. Treatment should be tailored to each individual in order to achieve a good clinical response or blanching that lasts for as long as possible, with a safe and convenient regimen. Many different treatments have been tried: phototherapy, pulsed magnetic fields, Grenz rays,keratolytics, coal tar, antifungals, dithranol, retinoids, vitamin D analogues, corticosteroids, and systemic treatment. Ideally, for scalp psoriasis, treatment should be effective; applied in the form of a lotion, foam, or emulsion; require few applications per week; and have proven long-term safety. One such treatment is potent corticosteroids and vitamin D3 analogues in combination, which has a fast onset of action and proven long-term safety (AU)

Directrices españolas basadas en la evidencia para el tratamiento de la psoriasis moderada a grave con agentes biológicos / Spanish evidence-based guidelines on the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis with biologic agents

La psoriasis vulgar es una enfermedad cutánea inflamatoria, de curso habitualmente crónico, que afecta a un 1-2 % de la población en los países occidentales industrializados, y produce una reducción marcada de la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Pese a la diversidad de tratamientos disponibles, las encuestas efectuadas antes del advenimiento de los agentes biológicos demuestran un alto grado de insatisfacción con respecto a los tratamientos disponibles. Se ha acumulado abundante evidencia científica con respecto a la eficacia y seguridad de los agentes biológicos, que ha llevado a revisar el papel del tratamiento sistémico en general y ha permitido contemplar nuevos objetivos y estrategias terapéuticas en los pacientes con psoriasis moderada a grave. En este contexto nuevo se hace necesario establecer, de forma consensuada por especialistas expertos y ratificada por los integrantes del Grupo Español de Psoriasis de la Academia Española de Dermatología y Venereología (AEDV), unas directrices para el tratamiento de la psoriasis moderada a grave con agentes biológicos, que incluyan información basada en la evidencia científica disponible acerca de las características farmacológicas, mecanismo de acción, vía y pautas de administración, eficacia, contraindicaciones, efectos adversos y estimaciones del coste de los agentes biológicos aprobados para el tratamiento de la psoriasis moderada a grave en España (AU)

Psoriasis vulgaris is an inflammatory skin disease that is generally chronic and that affects between1 % and 2 % of the population in industrialized Western countries. It is associated with a marked decline in quality of life. A wide range of treatments are currently available, although surveys conducted before the advent of biologic agents reflected a strong degree of dissatisfaction with the treatments then available. Extensive scientific evidence has been gathered on the safety of biologic agents, and this has led to a review of the role of systemic treatment in general and has allowed new therapeutic goals and strategies to be contemplated in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. In this new situation, there is a need for Spanish guidelines on the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis with biologic agents, drafted by consensus among specialists and ratified by the Spanish Psoriasis Group of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV).These guidelines should be evidence-based with regard to the pharmacologic characteristics, mechanism of action, administration route and regimen, efficacy, contraindications, adverse effects, and cost estimates of biologic agents approved for the treatment of moderate-to severe psoriasis in Spain (AU)

Aspectos diagnósticos y terapéuticos de la psoriasis ungueal / Diagnosis and management of nail psoriasis

La psoriasis ungueal ha sido considerada clásicamente una de las manifestaciones más difíciles de tratar de la enfermedad. Los últimos estudios han evidenciado una mayor prevalencia de infecciones fúngicas en las uñas psoriásicas, por lo que debemos practicar cultivos al inicio y durante el tratamiento. En los últimos años han aparecido numerosas novedades terapéuticas en la psoriasis; algunas son eficaces tanto para las lesiones cutáneas como para las ungueales (ciclosporina y biológicos). A nivel tópico, los derivados de la vitamina D y A, así como la laca de clobetasol propionato al 8 % pueden conseguir mejorar tanto las lesiones del lecho como las de la matriz ungueal

Nail psoriasis has traditionally been considered as one of the most difficult forms of psoriasis to treat. The most recent studies have found a higher prevalence of fungal infections in psoriatic nails and therefore cultures before and during treatment are necessary. Over the last few years, novel psoriatic therapies have been developed, some of which are effective for both skin and nail lesions (cyclosporine and biologic agents). Of the topical agents, vitamin D and A derivatives as well as nail lacquer containing 8 % clobetasol propionate can help improve lesions of both the nail bed and matrix

Optimization of narrow-band uvb with a 5% oleic acid cream in the treatment of psoriasis.

Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid with a known action of penetration enhancer which has been used for various purposes, such as a tanning increaser. Narrow-band ultraviolet B (UVB) is a also first-line treatment for psoriasis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the use of a 5% oleic acid emulsion previous to the phototherapy sessions was useful in reducing the total dosage necessary for whitening in patients with psoriasis. Forty-four patients were included, 24 received application of the emulsion before phototherapy and 20 received phototherapy with no emulsion. Patients received the UVB sessions just to achieve a reduction of 80% of the basal PASI. The total dose received and number of sessions were compared within the 2 groups. A reduction in these parameters (29.68 J/cm(2) vs. 18.16 J/cm(2); 24 vs. 19 sessions) was seen in the group that received application of the emulsion. However, this was not statistically significant. The fact that we did not achieve the statistical significance may be due to the small sample size. These results must be cautiously interpreted and confirmed with further studies.