Image-based automated Psoriasis Area Severity Index scoring by Convolutional Neural Networks.

BACKGROUND: The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score is commonly used in clinical practice and research to monitor disease severity and determine treatment efficacy. Automating the PASI score with deep learning algorithms, like Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), could enable objective and efficient PASI scoring. OBJECTIVES: To assess the performance of image-based automated PASI scoring in anatomical regions by CNNs and compare the performance of CNNs to image-based scoring by physicians. METHODS: Imaging series were matched to PASI subscores determined in real life by the treating physician. CNNs were trained using standardized imaging series of 576 trunk, 614 arm and 541 leg regions. CNNs were separately trained for each PASI subscore (erythema, desquamation, induration and area) in each anatomical region (trunk, arms and legs). The head region was excluded for anonymity. Additionally, PASI-trained physicians retrospectively determined image-based subscores on the test set images of the trunk. Agreement with the real-life scores was determined with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and compared between the CNNs and physicians. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficients between the CNN and real-life scores of the trunk region were 0.616, 0.580, 0.580 and 0.793 for erythema, desquamation, induration and area, respectively, with similar results for the arms and legs region. PASI-trained physicians (N = 5) were in moderate-good agreement (ICCs 0.706-0.793) with each other for image-based PASI scoring of the trunk region. ICCs between the CNN and real-life scores were slightly higher for erythema (0.616 vs. 0.558), induration (0.580 vs. 0.573) and area scoring (0.793 vs. 0.694) than image-based scoring by physicians. Physicians slightly outperformed the CNN on desquamation scoring (0.580 vs. 0.589). CONCLUSIONS: Convolutional Neural Networks have the potential to automatically and objectively perform image-based PASI scoring at an anatomical region level. For erythema, desquamation and induration scoring, CNNs performed similar to physicians, while for area scoring CNNs outperformed physicians on image-based PASI scoring.

Treatment persistence in paediatric and adolescent patients with psoriasis followed into young adulthood. From topical to systemic treatment: a prospective, longitudinal, observational cohort study of 448 patients.

BACKGROUND: Although solely topical treatment often suffices, patients with psoriasis may require more intensive treatment (phototherapy and/or systemic treatments) to control their disease. However, in paediatric, adolescent and young adult patients, little is known about persistence of topical treatment and time until switch to systemic treatment. OBJECTIVES: To determine the median time from psoriasis onset until (i) discontinuation of solely topical agents and (ii) switch to systemic treatment, and to identify patient characteristics associated with switching to systemic treatments. METHODS: Data were extracted from the Child-CAPTURE registry, a prospective, observational cohort of patients with paediatric-onset psoriasis followed into young adulthood from 2008 to 2018. Data prior to inclusion in the registry were collected retrospectively. Median times were determined through Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. Cox regression analysis was used to identify patient characteristics associated with switch to systemic treatment. RESULTS: Of 448 patients, 62·3% stayed on solely topical treatment until data lock; 14·3% switched from topicals to phototherapy, but not to systemic treatment; and 23·4% switched to systemic treatment. The median time from psoriasis onset until discontinuation of solely topical treatment was 7·3 years, and until switch to systemics was 10·8 years. Higher Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and (Children's) Dermatology Life Quality Index > 5 were independently associated with switching to systemic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In a population of paediatric and adolescent patients with mild-to-severe psoriasis, one-third needed more intensive treatment than solely topical therapy to control their disease. We consider the median time until switching to systemics to be long.

Recessive mosaicism in ABCA12 causes blaschkoid congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma.

We report the unique case of a 3-year-old girl who presented with linear erythematosquamous lesions following the lines of Blaschko, suggestive of genetic mosaicism in the skin. Single-candidate gene analyses were performed on DNA from blood, excluding Conradi-Hünermann-Happle syndrome, erythrokeratodermia variabilis and a mosaic presentation of pityriasis rubra pilaris. With whole-exome sequencing (WES) on DNA from the patient's blood, a heterozygous missense mutation in exon 25 of the ABCA12 gene was detected. By manually scrutinizing the WES data, another low-percentage pathogenic frameshift mutation was found in the adjacent exon 26 of the same gene. This frameshift mutation was confirmed with Sanger sequencing in DNA isolated from a lesional skin biopsy. A subsequent cloning experiment was performed to prove that the patient is compound heterozygous for both mutations in the affected skin, explaining the blaschkoid ichthyosiform erythrodermic phenotype. The patient's phenotype was elucidated by the combination of a germline mutation and an acquired postzygotic mutation in ABCA12, resulting in the diagnosis of a mosaic manifestation of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis. Postzygotic compound allelic loss in autosomal recessive disorders is extremely rare and will not appear as the typical phenotype of the known germline mutation-associated disease. This is the first report of a proven biallelic mosaic presentation of an autosomal recessive genodermatosis, and we propose the term 'recessive mosaicism' for this kind of manifestation. What's already know about this topic? Specific mutations in the ABCA12 lipid transporter are known to cause different phenotypes like harlequin ichthyosis, congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma and lamellar ichthyosis. In mosaicism, two or more cell populations that are genetically different arise postzygotically in the developing embryo. In the skin, mosaicism can present itself in different patterns of affected skin, often caused by a dominant genetic mutation. What does this study add? We report a unique patient with blaschkoid congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma due to biallelic mutations, one inherited germline missense mutation and the other a postzygotic frameshift mutation in the ABCA12 gene. This study describes the diagnostic approach and applied research that can be used if one encounters a similar diagnostic dilemma with manifestations suspected for genetic mosaicism. We propose the term 'recessive mosaicism' for this kind of mosaic presentation of an autosomal recessive genodermatosis.

Efficacy and safety of ixekizumab in a phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in paediatric patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (IXORA-PEDS).

BACKGROUND: Plaque psoriasis affects children and adults, but treatment options for paediatric psoriasis are limited. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ixekizumab (IXE), a high-affinity monoclonal antibody that selectively targets interleukin-17A, for moderate-to-severe paediatric psoriasis. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III study (IXORA-PEDS), patients aged 6 to < 18 years with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis were randomized 2 : 1 to weight-based dosing of IXE every 4 weeks (IXE Q4W, n = 115) or placebo (n = 56) through week 12, followed by open-label IXE Q4W. Coprimary endpoints were the proportions of patients at week 12 achieving ≥ 75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) and those achieving a static Physician's Global Assessment score of 0 or 1 (sPGA 0,1). RESULTS: IXE was superior (P < 0·001) to placebo for both coprimary endpoints of PASI 75 (IXE Q4W, 89%; placebo, 25%) and sPGA (0,1) (IXE Q4W, 81%; placebo, 11%). IXE was also superior for all gated secondary endpoints, including PASI 75 and sPGA (0,1) at week 4, improvement in itch, and complete skin clearance. IXE Q4W provided significant (P < 0·001) improvements vs. placebo in quality of life and clearance of scalp and genital psoriasis. Responses at week 12 were sustained or further improved through week 48. Through week 12, 45% (placebo) and 56% (IXE) of patients reported treatment-emergent adverse events. One serious adverse event was reported (IXE), one patient discontinued due to an adverse event (placebo) and no deaths were reported. CONCLUSIONS: IXE was superior to placebo in the treatment of moderate-to-severe paediatric psoriasis, and the safety profile was generally consistent with that observed in adults. What is already known about this topic? Paediatric psoriasis affects approximately 1% of children and can negatively impact health-related quality of life. Treatment options for paediatric psoriasis are typically limited to off-label treatments and approved systemic biologics. Ixekizumab, a high-affinity monoclonal antibody that selectively targets interleukin-17A, is approved for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for moderate-to-severe paediatric psoriasis. What does this study add? Ixekizumab resulted in rapid and statistically significant improvements over placebo in skin involvement, itch and health-related quality of life, which persisted through 48 weeks of treatment in paediatric patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The safety profile of ixekizumab was generally consistent with that seen in adults. Ixekizumab may be an additional potential therapeutic option and an additional class of biologic therapy (interleukin-17A antagonist) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe paediatric psoriasis. Plain language summary available online.

The identification of CCL18 as biomarker of disease activity in localized scleroderma.

BACKGROUND: Localized Scleroderma (LoS) encompasses a group of idiopathic skin conditions characterized by (sub)cutaneous inflammation and subsequent development of fibrosis. Currently, lack of accurate tools enabling disease activity assessment leads to suboptimal treatment approaches. OBJECTIVE: To investigate serum concentrations of cytokines and chemokines implicated in inflammation and angiogenesis in LoS and explore their potential to be utilized as biomarker of disease activity. Additionally, to investigate the implication of potential biomarkers in disease pathogenesis. METHODS: A 39-plex Luminex immuno-assay was performed in serum samples of 74 LoS and 22 Healthy Controls. The relation between a validated clinical measure of disease activity (mLoSSI) and serum analytes was investigated. Additionally, gene and protein expression were investigated in circulating cells and skin biopsies. RESULTS: From the total of 39, 10 analytes (CCL18, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL13, TNFRII, Galectin-9, TIE-1, sVCAM, IL-18, CCL19) were elevated in LoS serum. Cluster analysis of serum samples revealed CCL18 as most important analyte to discriminate between active and inactive disease. At individual patient level, CCL18 serum levels correlated strongest with mLoSSI-scores (rs = 0.4604, P < 0.0001) and in longitudinal measures CCL18 concentrations normalised with declining disease activity upon treatment initiation. Additionally, CCL18 was elevated in LoS serum, and not in (juvenile) dermatomyositis or spinal muscular atrophy. Importantly, CCL18 gene and protein expression was increased at the inflammatory border of cutaneous LoS lesions, with normal expression in unaffected skin and circulating immune cells. CONCLUSION: CCL18 is specific for disease activity in LoS thereby providing relevance as a biomarker for this debilitating disease.

Sustained long-term efficacy and safety of adalimumab in paediatric patients with severe chronic plaque psoriasis from a randomized, double-blind, phase III study.

BACKGROUND: Adalimumab (ADA) (Humira® , AbbVie Inc., U.S.A.) is approved by the European Medicines Agency for children aged ≥ 4 years with severe plaque psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of ADA in children with severe plaque psoriasis. METHODS: Results are presented from the 52-week long-term extension (LTE) of the randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, phase III trial, in children with severe plaque psoriasis (results from prior periods have been published). Patients aged ≥ 4 and < 18 years were randomized 1 : 1 : 1 to ADA 0·8 mg kg-1 (40 mg maximum) or 0·4 mg kg-1 (20 mg maximum) every other week or to methotrexate (MTX) 0·1-0·4 mg kg-1 (25 mg maximum) weekly. The 16-week initial treatment (IT) period was followed by a 36-week withdrawal period and a 16-week retreatment period. Patients could enter the LTE at prespecified time points to receive ADA 0·8 mg kg-1 (blinded or open label) or ADA 0·4 mg kg-1 (blinded), or to remain off treatment. Efficacy is reported for patient groups according to doses received in the IT and LTE periods. RESULTS: Of the 114 patients randomized in the IT period, 108 entered the LTE (n = 36 in each group); 93 received ADA 0·8 mg kg-1 . Efficacy (≥ 75% improvement from baseline in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) was maintained or improved from entry to the end of the LTE: MTX(IT)/ADA 0·8(LTE) 31-86% of patients; ADA 0·4(IT)/0·4 or 0·8(LTE) 28-47%; ADA 0·8(IT)/0·8(LTE) 50-72%. No serious infections occurred in the LTE. CONCLUSIONS: After 52 weeks of long-term ADA treatment in children aged 4-18 years with severe plaque psoriasis, disease severity was reduced and maintained or further improved, as demonstrated by efficacy outcomes. No new safety risks were identified. What's already known about this topic? The results from the first three periods of this phase III trial in children aged 4-18 years with severe plaque psoriasis suggest that adalimumab is a safe and efficacious treatment option in this population. What does this study add? This is the first study to evaluate long-term treatment of adalimumab in children with severe psoriasis, and the first to evaluate switching from methotrexate to adalimumab in this population.

The journey of adult psoriasis patients towards biologics: past and present - Results from the BioCAPTURE registry.

BACKGROUND: A considerable disease period often precedes initiation of a biologic in patients with psoriasis. Little is known about this important period in patients' lives. Evaluation of this 'journey' can reveal important insights and opportunities for physicians and healthcare decision makers. OBJECTIVES: (i) To describe patient and treatment characteristics until the start of biologic treatment in patients with severe psoriasis, (ii) to assess shifts in early (2005-2009) versus established (2010-2015) biologics prescription periods, (iii) to assess changes in hospital/day care admissions before vs. after starting biologics. METHODS: Explorative, retrospective study on the treatment characteristics of the disease period until first biologic, presented with descriptive statistics of patients included in the BioCAPTURE registry. Journeys of 2005-2009 and 2010-2015 were compared with statistical tests to identify important shifts. RESULTS: Median TUS (time until conventional systemic) was 11.0 years and median TUB (time until biologic) was 18.9 years for all patients treated from 2005 to 2015. Most patients received three different conventional antipsoriatic systemic therapies. We noticed a small trend towards a shorter journey (TUB) with only two conventional systemic agents instead of three before initiating a biologic in later years (2010-2015, vs. 2005-2009). We also noticed a significant decrease in (day care) admissions comparing the two years before, versus the first two years after the start of a biologic treatment (17.7 vs. 8.6 admissions/100 follow-up years, P < 0.001). Cyclosporine, intensive topical treatment (dithranol), retinoids and PUVA therapy lost popularity in recent years. CONCLUSION: The 'journey' of patients with psoriasis towards a biologic is still long and characterized by many different treatments. Shifts towards fewer conventional drugs before biologic initiation and a clear decrease in hospital and day care admissions before vs. after a biologic are seen. Improvement of this journey, especially in young or recently diagnosed patients, can decrease negative influences on patients' lives and reduce societal impact.

Determinants for drug survival of methotrexate in patients with psoriasis, split according to different reasons for discontinuation: results of the prospective MTX-CAPTURE.

BACKGROUND: As methotrexate (MTX) is a widely used treatment for psoriasis, it is important to gain insight into the reasons for the discontinuation of MTX and to understand the determinants for drug survival. OBJECTIVES: To describe 5-year drug survival for MTX in patients with psoriasis, split according to different reasons for discontinuation, and to identify the determinants for drug survival. METHODS: Data were extracted from a prospective psoriasis registry of patients treated with MTX (MTX-CAPTURE). Drug survival was analysed using Kaplan-Meier estimates and the determinants for discontinuation were analysed using Cox regression analysis. Analyses were split according to the reason for discontinuation: side-effects or ineffectiveness. RESULTS: We included 85 patients treated with MTX, with a maximum treatment duration of 5·2 years. The overall drug survival rates were 63%, 30% and 15% after 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. The median survival was 1·8 years. Overall, 55 patients (65%) discontinued MTX for the following reasons: side-effects (35%), ineffectiveness (26%), combination of side-effects and ineffectiveness (13%), other reasons (16%) and 11% were lost to follow-up. The most reported side-effects were gastrointestinal symptoms, despite the use of folic acid in 99% of patients. Based on univariate analysis, a high Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score and a high score on the visual analogue scale for disease severity at baseline were possible determinants for a short drug survival. CONCLUSIONS: Drug survival of MTX was low with 15% of patients 'on drug' after 5 years. Side-effects alone or in combination with inadequate disease control were more important in the context of treatment discontinuation than inadequate disease control alone.

Validation of the Simplified Psoriasis Index in Dutch children and adolescents with plaque psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: The Simplified Psoriasis Index (SPI) is a three-domain assessment measure for psoriasis, including separate indicators of current severity (SPI-s), psychosocial impact (SPI-p), and past history and interventions (SPI-i). There are two complementary versions available designed for completion by a health professional (proSPI) or by patient self-assessment (saSPI). The validity and reliability of the proSPI vs. saSPI have already been demonstrated in adults. To date, validated severity measures for paediatric psoriasis do not exist. OBJECTIVES: To validate the current severity (SPI-s) and psychosocial impact (SPI-p) domains of the proSPI and saSPI in children and adolescents with psoriasis. METHODS: All patients aged < 18 years with plaque psoriasis visiting the dermatology outpatient department of Radboud University Medical Center, the Netherlands, between September 2013 and April 2014 were asked to complete Dutch versions of the saSPI and the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI). The original English versions of the proSPI and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) were completed by the physician at the same visit. RESULTS: In total, 113 patients (median age 12·0 years, range 4-17) were included. There was a close correlation between the proSPI-s and PASI (r = 0·87), which was higher than between the saSPI-s and PASI (r = 0·69). The correlation between the SPI-p and CDLQI was 0·78. The full range of scores was utilized in both proSPI-s and SPI-p, although the highest saSPI-s score was 30 (maximum 50). CONCLUSIONS: In paediatric psoriasis, the proSPI and saSPI are shown to be valid and usable. The SPI-s and SPI-p can be readily introduced into routine clinical practice.

Polymorphisms in CD84, IL12B and TNFAIP3 are associated with response to biologics in patients with psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of biologics for psoriasis shows heterogeneity among patients. With pharmacogenetic markers, it might be possible to predict treatment response. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to test the association between genetic markers and the response to biologics in psoriasis (etanercept, adalimumab, ustekinumab) in a prospective cohort. METHODS: We investigated the copy number variation in the LCE3B and LCE3C genes, and eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in HLA-C*06, CD84, IL12B, IL23R, TRAF3IP2, ERAP1, IFIH1 and TNFAIP3. The decrease in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was calculated as ∆PASI (absolute PASI decrease compared with baseline) and PASI 75 (proportion of patients with ≥ 75% improvement vs. baseline). Associations between genetic variants and treatment outcome were assessed using multivariable linear regression analysis (∆PASI corrected for baseline PASI, primary analysis) and Pearson's χ2 -test or Fisher's exact test (PASI 75, secondary analysis). RESULTS: We included 348 treatment episodes in 234 patients. Patients heterozygous (GA) for the SNP in CD84 (rs6427528) had a better ∆PASI response to etanercept after 3 months (P = 0·025) than the homozygous reference group (GG). In addition, patients heterozygous (CT) for the IL12B variant showed a better response (∆PASI) to ustekinumab (P = 0·017) than the reference group (CC). Patients homozygous (GG) for the SNP in TNFAIP3 showed a worse response (∆PASI) to ustekinumab (P = 0·031) than the reference group (TT). The associations with ustekinumab resulting from the primary analysis were not confirmed in the secondary (PASI 75) analysis. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated a strong association between etanercept use in psoriasis and variations in CD84, a gene that was previously found to be a predictor of response to etanercept in rheumatoid arthritis.

Comparison of the Dermatology Life Quality Index and the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index in assessment of quality of life in patients with psoriasis aged 16-17 years.

BACKGROUND: Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) are widely used to assess quality of life (QoL) in adults (≥ 16 years) and children (4-16 years) with psoriasis. In the age group 16-17 years, it is not known whether DLQI and CDLQI reflect QoL impairment in the same way. OBJECTIVES: To compare DLQI and CDLQI scores in patients with psoriasis aged 16-17 years. METHODS: Patients with psoriasis aged 16-17 years were asked to complete both the DLQI and CDLQI. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were included. There was a high correlation between DLQI and CDLQI scores (r = 0·90, P < 0·001). The mean DLQI score (5·41 ± 5·20) was lower than the mean CDLQI (6·61 ± 5·74) (P < 0·001). The major part of this difference (∆0·61) was caused by the low score regarding sexual difficulties in the DLQI (0·11 ± 0·49) and the high score concerning sleep in the CDLQI (0·71 ± 0·93). In addition, the question related to sports scored 0·34 in the DLQI but 0·86 in the CDLQI (∆0·52). The question related to work/study in the DLQI scored lower than the question on school/holiday in the CDLQI (∆0·41). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with psoriasis aged 16-17 years, DLQI and CDLQI scores closely correlate, but the mean DLQI score was lower than the mean CDLQI score. This was caused primarily by differences in the answers to questions regarding sexual difficulties and sleep. As the QoL impacts experienced by people aged 16-17 may differ from those experienced by children or adults, QoL measures designed for use in this age range may have advantages over both child- and adult-specific measures.

Disease recurrence in localized scleroderma: a retrospective analysis of 344 patients with paediatric- or adult-onset disease.

BACKGROUND: Localized scleroderma (LoS) is characterized by a phase of disease activity followed by remission. However, disease recurrences occur. Knowledge concerning these recurrences can help prompt treatment, thereby preventing disease damage. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the frequency and characteristics of disease recurrences in paediatric- and adult-onset LoS, and to identify patient variables that are associated with a higher risk of disease recurrence. METHODS: Retrospective chart reviews were performed of patients with LoS. Data concerning the frequency and characteristics of the disease recurrences were collected. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify patient variables that were associated with a higher risk of disease recurrence. RESULTS: In total, 344 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 119 (35%) had paediatric-onset LoS and 225 (65%) had adult-onset LoS. Disease recurrence was present in 27% (n = 32) of the paediatric-onset group and 17% (n = 39) of the adult-onset group (P = 0·037). Multivariate analysis identified a statistically significant association between disease recurrence and the linear LoS of the limbs subtype, independent of age at disease onset. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrences in LoS occurred in almost one-quarter of the patients and were most frequent in the linear LoS of the limbs subtype, independent of age at disease onset. These disease recurrences can occur even after many years of quiescent disease. Awareness of the high recurrence rates may help treating physicians to recognize reactivation of the disease, leading to a decreased delay in treatment reinitiation.

Clearing of psoriasis documented by laser Doppler perfusion imaging contrasts remaining elevation of dermal expression levels of CD31.

BACKGROUND: Vascular modifications represent a key feature in psoriatic plaques. Previous research with Laser Doppler Perfusion Imaging (LDPI) revealed a remarkable heterogeneity in the cutaneous perfusion within homogenous-appearing psoriatic lesions. Insights in the relation between perfusion during treatment and related biological changes are lacking. OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of calcipotriol-betamethasone dipropionate ointment on the microcirculation and the expression levels of immunohistochemical markers in psoriatic lesions compared to the distant uninvolved skin. METHODS: Psoriatic lesions of fourteen patients were treated once a day during 8 weeks. Clinical SUM scores and the perfusion intensity by means of LDPI were assessed every 2 weeks. After 8 weeks, a biopsy from the target lesion and one from the distant uninvolved skin were taken and stained for psoriasis-related markers, like IL-17 and CD31. RESULTS: After 8 weeks, seven patients reached a SUM score of 0 or 1, and were classified as good-responders. The other patients were classified moderate-responders. The perfusion intensity decreased in all lesions during therapy. In the good-responders, all investigated psoriasis-related proteins within the treated lesions reached the expression level found within the distant uninvolved skin. The expression of CD31, however, was significantly higher in the treated lesions as compared to the distant uninvolved skin (p = 0.0156). In the moderate responders, almost all expression levels remained significantly elevated compared to the uninvolved skin. CONCLUSIONS: In the skin of good-responders the expression of dermal CD31(+) endothelium remains significantly elevated within the treated lesions compared with the distant uninvolved skin, whereas a marked reduction in the perfusion intensity and SUM score was found. This indicates that clinical improvement might outrun endothelial changes.

Treatment of paediatric scalp psoriasis with calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate scalp formulation: effectiveness, safety and influence on children's quality of life in daily practice.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on efficacy and safety of topical treatments for paediatric scalp psoriasis is lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate scalp formulation for paediatric scalp psoriasis in daily clinical practice. The influence of this formulation on the quality of life (QoL) was assessed as well. METHODS: Data of children treated with the scalp formulation were extracted from a prospective observational daily clinical practice registry of children with psoriasis, called Child-Continuous Assessment of Psoriasis Treatment Use Registry. Severity was expressed by Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index (PSSI) and the impact on the QoL was reflected by the validated Children's Scalpdex in Psoriasis (CSP). RESULTS: Eighty-four treatment episodes were analysed. Significant improvements of PSSI score (18.7 ± 11.8 to 12.7 ± 9.4) were demonstrated in the first 12 weeks and this result was well maintained during 48 weeks of follow-up. Three patients (4.1%) developed striae of the skin (arms, trunk and legs), which are possibly related to the scalp formulation. CSP scores (79.0-46.3) declined significantly after 3 months. CONCLUSION: In a daily clinical practice cohort of children with scalp psoriasis, calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate scalp formulation was effective with a 32.1% improvement of PSSI at week 12 and a maintenance of this effect until 48 weeks of follow-up, in combination with improvement of QoL.

Systemic treatments in paediatric psoriasis: a systematic evidence-based update.

In 2008, a systematic review revealed that evidence-based data on efficacy and safety of treatments in paediatric psoriasis are scarce and with low level of evidence. In recent years, publications on this topic have increased exponentially. To present a systematic, evidence-based update on the efficacy and safety of systemic treatments in paediatric psoriasis and to provide treatment recommendations, an update of the previous review was performed. PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Controlled Clinical Trial Register were searched between January 2007 and March 2014 for all available literature on efficacy and safety of all systemic treatments in paediatric psoriasis. The levels of evidence were determined on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine Levels of Evidence. The newly retrieved evidence was combined with the evidence available in the former review. Fifty-two studies were included: 36 from the former review, plus 16 new articles. New evidence on induction therapy was mainly available on fumaric acid esters (FAEs), which are shown to be effective in a subgroup of patients. Long-term (96 weeks) safety and efficacy data on etanercept were found. Prospective studies are scarce. Most conclusions are formulated on studies with low level of evidence. Of the conventional systemic treatments, methotrexate still has the most evidence albeit in a low number of patients and with a low level of evidence. FAEs seem to be effective in a subgroup of patients, with gastro-intestinal complaints, flushes and temporary shifts in leucocyte counts and liver enzymes being the main side-effects. Etanercept has still accumulated most evidence of the available systematic treatments, with a large efficacy and reassuring safety profile in a 96-week follow-up.

Predictors of adalimumab drug survival in psoriasis differ by reason for discontinuation: long-term results from the Bio-CAPTURE registry.

BACKGROUND: Drug survival is an indicator for treatment success; insight in predictors associated with drug survival is important. OBJECTIVES (I): To analyse the long-term drug survival for adalimumab in patients with psoriasis treated in daily practice and (II) to identify predictors of prolonged drug survival for adalimumab split for different reasons of discontinuation. METHODS: Data were extracted from a prospective psoriasis cohort and analysed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves split for reasons of discontinuation. Baseline predictors associated with longer drug survival were identified using multivariate Cox-regression analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and sixteen patients were included with a total of 208 patient-years. Overall drug survival was 76% after 1 year and 52% after 4.5 years. In patients who stopped due to ineffectiveness, longer drug survival was associated with the absence of specific comorbidities (P = 0.03). In patients who stopped due to side-effects, longer drug survival was associated with male gender (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Predictors of adalimumab drug survival in psoriasis differ by reason for discontinuation. Strong, specific predictors can lead to patient-tailored treatment.