Laboratory Monitoring in Isotretinoin Therapy for Acne: How Long and How Often Must We Test Our Patients?

The optimal frequency and timing of laboratory monitoring during isotretinoin treatment remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the frequency, timing, and severity of abnormal results during isotretinoin for acne. We conducted a retrospective cohort study comprising 444 acne patients prescribed isotretinoin at Boston Medical Center from 2004 to 2017; these patients had at least one available baseline laboratory result. We categorized patients into two groups: group A (normal values at baseline and during the first 2 months of isotretinoin therapy) and group B (abnormal values at baseline or during the first 2 months of isotretinoin therapy) and assessed the laboratory values after 2 months. The frequency of abnormal results for triglycerides, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) after 2 months for patients in group A was 21.1%, 13.6%, 8.8%, and 6.0%, respectively, with very rare grade 2 (moderate) or higher abnormalities. In contrast, the frequency of abnormal results for patients in group B for triglycerides, cholesterol, AST, and ALT was higher at 67.9%, 88.0%, 40.0%, and 25.0%, respectively (P < 0.05, except for ALT). No patient developed higher than grade 1 (mild) complete blood count (CBC) abnormality. This study proposed that healthy patients with normal results at baseline and during the first 2 months of isotretinoin therapy might not need routine monitoring after month 2 of medication. Routine monitoring of CBC is not necessary.

Acne vulgaris in black pediatric patients: clinical presentation, treatment patterns, and unique needs.

Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological diagnosis observed in pediatric patients with skin of color, often resulting in scarring, keloid formation, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, significantly impacting their quality of life. This exploratory retrospective chart review included 77 black pediatric patients seen at a tertiary care center for acne vulgaris between 2018 and 2023. We analyzed demographics, acne descriptors, and treatment modalities. The most common acne morphology was comedonal acne (83.6%), with 71% of the patients being female. Significant age differences were observed particularly for acne at the chin and overall face. Treatment regimens commonly prescribed included combinations of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (22%), topical antibiotics, tretinoin, and benzoyl peroxide (34%). Given the higher risk of sequelae for patients with darker skin, it is crucial to address their unique treatment needs. This study highlights the distinctive characteristics of acne in black pediatric patients and calls for further research to enhance our understanding and treatment of this population. Limitations include the lack of direct patient interactions and reliance on chart data. Further studies are needed to compare acne presentation in skin of color of other populations, refining our knowledge of acne clinical presentation, complications, and treatment modalities for diverse patient populations.

Challenges in Adult Acne and the Role of Skin Care in Managing the Condition.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a complex, multifactorial, inflammatory skin condition. Although frequently presented at dermatology clinics, the literature on adult acne is scarce, particularly concerning skin barrier function and management. We aimed to provide insights into the role of skin barrier integrity in adult acne patients and the role of cleansers and moisturizers as adjunctive to treating and maintaining adult acne.   Methods: A panel of eight dermatologists who treat adult patients with acne developed a consensus paper on the role of skin barrier function and skin care in adult acne management. The modified Delphi method comprised a face-to-face meeting and online follow-up to discuss the results of a scoping literature review. Drawing from their experience and opinions, they agreed on seven consensus statements.   Results: Epidermal barrier dysfunction plays a vital role in acne pathogenesis and asymmetrically impacts adult female acne. Erythema, pruritus, peeling, and xerosis are common adverse effects of first-line acne treatment options and, if not appropriately counseled and managed, can exacerbate, leading to regimen nonadherence and poor patient experience and outcomes. CONCLUSION: Improving patient knowledge of comprehensive acne treatments, including quality adjunctive cleansers and moisturizers, may maximize regimen efficacy and provide patients with personalized and successful acne treatment and maintenance tools. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(8):674-679.     doi:10.36849/JDD.8471.

Efficacy and Safety of Secukinumab in the Treatment of Psoriasis in Patients with Skin Phototypes IV to VI.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data on the treatment of psoriasis in patients with skin of color – a diverse population among whom variations in clinical features and higher quality of life impact have been reported. This single-center, open-label clinical study evaluated the safety and efficacy of secukinumab in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI. METHODS: A total of 20 male and female subjects (ages ≥ 18, BSA ≥10%, PASI Score ≥ 12, IGA ≥ 3) completed this study. The total study duration was 28 weeks. During the treatment period, subjects received secukinumab 300 mg subcutaneously at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, then monthly through week 20. RESULTS: 73% of patients achieved at least 90% improvement in PASI score (PASI90) at week 16 compared to baseline (P=0.0592). There was a statistically significant proportion of patients achieving PASI75, IGA of clear or almost clear, and a change from baseline in DLQI total score at weeks 12, 16, and 24. A statistically significant reduction in IGAxBSA-75 score was achieved between week 16 and baseline. LIMITATIONS: The sample size was small and underpowered to detect statistically significant changes in some endpoints. Furthermore, the study period was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which contributed to numerous missing data points. CONCLUSION: Secukinumab 300 mg administered monthly was safe, well-tolerated, and efficacious in treating skin of color patients with psoriasis and improving health-related quality of life. Larger studies involving skin of color populations with psoriasis are warranted. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(8):600-606. doi:10.36849/JDD.8128.

Preference for Cal/BDP Cream or Foam in Patients With Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: The combined use of topical calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BDP) is commonly used and demonstrated to be effective for the management of psoriasis and is shown to confer local anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects. The use of the two agents in combination is synergistic. Despite the demonstrated efficacy of topically applied combination Cal/BDP, successful management of a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease such as psoriasis in the real-world setting may be hindered if patients do not adhere to the dosing or frequency of application recommendations from their prescriber. Patient preference for and satisfaction with the topical treatment vehicle have been shown to influence adherence. A recent analysis has determined that patients perceived Cal/BDP cream vehicle with PAD technology as having favorable characteristics. This randomized, split-body study was undertaken to further assess patient satisfaction with Cal/BDP cream and Cal/BDP foam formulations. TRIAL DESIGN: This was a split-body, subject-blind study. Study cream was administered in a single application to one side of the scalp and/or body; study foam was applied to the contralateral side. Patient self-administered questionnaires were completed before and after product application after a single site visit. RESULTS: Mean overall Vehicle Preference Measure (VPM) scores were higher for Cal/BDP cream than Cal/BDP foam (P=0.0043). Cal/BDP cream also achieved higher individual scores for ease of application, feeling to the touch, smell, and feeling on the skin (P<0.03). With regards to scalp application, subject assessments show that the cream was significantly more preferred in terms of limiting daily disruption (P=0.0008) Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that patients may prefer Cal/BDP cream over Cal/BDP foam for the management of psoriasis on the body and the scalp. Cal/BDP cream outperformed Cal/BDP foam on several specific measures of satisfaction and overall satisfaction measures. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(8):607-611.  doi:10.36849/JDD.7993.

Safety of Bimekizumab for Plaque Psoriasis: An Expert Consensus Panel.

BACKGROUND: Plaque psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing systemic illness that has a significant effect on quality of life. Bimekizumab is the first monoclonal antibody to target both interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-17F, and recently received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Guidance is necessary regarding the safety of bimekizumab. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was completed for English-language original research articles on the safety of bimekizumab for moderate to severe psoriasis. A panel of 9 dermatologists and 1 rheumatologist with significant expertise in the treatment of psoriasis gathered to review the articles and create consensus statements on this new medication. A modified Delphi process was used to approve each statement, and strength of recommendation was assigned using the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy criteria. RESULTS: The literature search produced 110 articles that met the criteria. A thorough screening of the studies for relevance to the research question resulted in 15 articles. These were distributed to all panelists for review prior to a roundtable discussion. The panel unanimously voted to adopt 5 consensus statements and recommendations, all of which were given a strength of "A". CONCLUSION: Bimekizumab has a safety profile consistent with other biologics, except for a higher risk of oral candidiasis. Its hepatic safety profile is comparable with other currently FDA-approved biologics for plaque psoriasis. In addition, the data do not support an association of bimekizumab with suicide, and the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease is not greater than the incidence of other IL-17 blockers. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(8):592-599. doi:10.36849/JDD.8246.

Benefits Over Five Years of Ixekizumab Treatment in Patients With Psoriasis Involving Challenging Body Areas.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis involving challenging body areas, such as the scalp, face, palmoplantar surfaces, or nails, can be challenging to treat and negatively affects patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To assess clear responses and cumulative clinical benefits over 5 years of ixekizumab treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in patients with and without baseline involvement of challenging body areas. METHODS: This post hoc analysis included patients treated with ixekizumab in the UNCOVER-3 trial. We assessed PASI100 responses through the week (W) 264 and cumulative clinical benefits at W264 (calculated as least-squares mean of the percentage of maximum area under the curve for PASI100 and PASI% improvement and expressed as cumulative clearance days). Statistical differences were calculated via ANCOVA. RESULTS: A total of 385 patients were analyzed: 349 with scalp involvement, 152 with facial involvement, 96 with palmoplantar involvement, and 229 with nail involvement. Proportions of patients achieving PASI100 were numerically similar between patients with and without scalp and nail involvement. More patients without facial and palmoplantar involvement achieved PASI100 at W60 (only palmoplantar), W108, W156, W204, and W264 (only palmoplantar). At W264, cumulative clinical benefits for PASI100 and PASI% improvement were high and similar in both patient groups, with and without challenging body areas. A significant difference (P=0.006) was only observed for PASI% improvement between patients with and without nail involvement. CONCLUSION: For most efficacy measures, patients treated with ixekizumab over 5 years achieved similar clear responses and cumulative clinical benefits regardless of baseline involvement of challenging body areas. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(8):619-625.  doi:10.36849/JDD.8160.

United Arab Emirates Consensus Recommendations for Management of Acne Vulgaris.

Acne in the United Arab Emirates is a common disease that causes burden to patients, has psychosocial impacts, and is associated with physical sequelae such as dyspigmentation and scarring. This guideline, which was developed from an evaluation of existing international and national evidence-based acne guidelines along with live meetings of United Arab Emirates acne experts, is designed to facilitate the management of acne in the UAE health care system. It discusses the evaluation of acne severity, evidence-based guidance on acne treatment, and strategies for the management of this chronic disease. Effective treatment of active lesions and prevention of sequela is likely to improve the health of many United Arab Emirates patients with acne. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(8):653-660.  doi:10.36849/JDD.7748R1.

Meibography health score: a simple grading system for isotretinoin-induced meibography alterations on patients with acne vulgaris.

PURPOSE: To develop a simple, subjective, and reliable grading scale for isotretinoin-induced meibography changes. METHODS: After analyzing meibography images obtained from systemic isotretinoin users, a grading scale was proposed and named "meibography health score." The score ranged from 1 to 3, with decreasing gland reflectivity and identifiable margins. A total of 11 medical professionals were asked to grade 10 meibography images obtained from isotretinoin users using the proposed scale and were divided into three groups: (A) ophthalmologists with experience with meibography, (B) ophthalmologists with no experience with meibography, and (C) radiologists. The kappa statistic was determined to test interrater reliability. RESULTS: The overall kappa was approximately 0.64. The kappa scores for Groups A, B, and C were 0.78, 0.59, and 0.90, respectively. Grade 2 had the lowest kappa scores (0.62, 0.35, and 0.82 for A, B, and C, respectively) and grade 3 the highest (0.78, 0.90, and 1.0 for A, B and C, respectively). Furthermore, Group C had the highest kappa scores and Group B the lowest. CONCLUSION: The meibography health score exhibited good interrater reliability, particularly in severe cases.

Recent Advancements and Trends of Topical Drug Delivery Systems in Psoriasis: A Review and Bibliometric Analysis.

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease where topical therapy is crucial. While various dosage forms have enhanced the efficacy of current treatments, their limited permeability and lack of targeted delivery to the dermis and epidermis remain challenges. We reviewed the evolution of topical therapies for psoriasis and conducted a bibliometric analysis from 1993 to 2023 using a predictive linear regression model. This included a comprehensive statistical and visual evaluation of each model's validity, literature profiles, citation patterns, and collaborations, assessing R variance and mean squared error (MSE). Furthermore, we detailed the structural features and penetration pathways of emerging drug delivery systems for topical treatment, such as lipid-based, polymer-based, metallic nanocarriers, and nanocrystals, highlighting their advantages. This systematic overview indicates that future research should focus on developing novel drug delivery systems characterized by enhanced stability, biocompatibility, and drug-carrying capacity.

Prescribing patterns and persistence of biological therapies for psoriasis management: a retrospective cohort study from Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Biological therapies are effective for psoriasis, but patient responses vary, often requiring therapy switching or discontinuation. OBJECTIVES: To identify physicians' prescribing patterns of biological therapies at a referral tertiary center in Saudi Arabia and assess the probability of biologic persistence following treatment initiation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of biologic-naïve adult psoriasis patients who initiated therapy from October 2013 to July 2022 in Dammam. Descriptive statistics and a Kaplan-Meier analysis evaluated treatment persistence at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. RESULTS: A total of 151 patients received adalimumab (n = 89), etanercept (n = 17), risankizumab (n = 30), ustekinumab (n = 14), and ixekizumab (n = 1). At 6 months, all therapies demonstrated 100% persistence. At 12 months, persistence was highest for ustekinumab (100%) and lowest for etanercept (88.2%). At 24 months, ustekinumab maintained 100% persistence, followed by risankizumab (96.6%), adalimumab (94.3%), and etanercept (76.4%). At 36 months, risankizumab had the highest persistence (96.6%), followed by adalimumab (83.1%), ustekinumab (78%), and etanercept (70.6%). The most common reasons for discontinuation were lack of effectiveness and intolerability. CONCLUSION: This study shows changing psoriasis treatment patterns with new therapies. Risankizumab demonstrated high long-term persistence, while etanercept and ustekinumab showed declining persistence, suggesting evolving treatment considerations.

Use of biologic therapies in the management of pyoderma gangrenosum: a systematic review.

Treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is challenging due to the absence of standardized guidelines and the lack of evidence-based, effective treatment options. Here, we performed a systematic review to summarize the use of biologics and their efficacy in the treatment of PG. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane electronic databases from their inception to September 22nd, 2022, and included 82 peer-reviewed studies with a total of 108 patients. Infliximab, adalimumab, and etanercept were the most utilized biologic therapies in the treatment of PG in 64.8% (70/108), 16.7% (18/108), and 11.1% (12/108) of the cases, respectively. With respect to treatment response, 88.9% (96/108) of the patients achieved complete resolution of PG with biologic therapies. The average number of days to improvement and resolution of PG treated after starting biologic therapies was 30 and 161, respectively. PG recurred in 15.5% (11/71) of those reported the outcome. Our study suggests that biologic therapies may be an attractive therapeutic option for PG with an excellent efficacy.

Isotretinoin-Induced Skin Fragility in an Aerialist.

Isotretinoin is widely used for treatment of severe cystic acne; however, its use is accompanied by mucocutaneous adverse effects. The established protocol for conducting cutaneous procedures on patients undergoing current or recent treatment with isotretinoin recommends a cessation period of at least 6 months to mitigate risks for delayed wound healing and hypertrophic scarring due to medication-induced skin fragility. We present a unique case of isotretinoin-induced skin fragility resulting in blistering and erosions on the palms of a 25-year-old competitive aerial trapeze artist. This case highlights the underrecognized risk for skin vulnerability in athletes undergoing isotretinoin treatment and the importance of guiding athletes on heightened skin vulnerability during isotretinoin treatment.

Comparison of adalimumab with methotrexate for psoriasis: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.

INTRODUCTION: The efficacy of adalimumab versus methotrexate for psoriasis remained controversial. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of adalimumab versus methotrexate on treatment efficacy for psoriasis patients. METHODS: We have searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library databases through August 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of adalimumab versus methotrexate for psoriasis. This meta-analysis was performed using the random-effect or fixed-effect model based on the heterogeneity. RESULTS: Four RCTs and 733 patients with psoriasis were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, compared with methotrexate treatment, adalimumab treatment was associated with improved Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 75 (PASI 75, odd ratio [OR] = 4.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.81-7.22; P < .00001), physician global assessment (PGA) 0/1 response (OR = 4.86; 95% CI = 3.02-7.82; P < .00001), PASI 100 (OR = 3.01; 95% CI = 1.33-6.80; P = .008) and decreased Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI, standard mean difference [SMD] = -0.60; 95% CI = -0.84 to -0.36; P < .00001), but exhibited no impact on PASI 90 (OR = 3.30; 95% CI = 0.77-14.20; P = .11), adverse events (OR = 1.23; 95% CI = 0.26-5.87; P = .79) or serious adverse events (OR = 2.59; 95% CI = 0.49-13.79; P = .26). CONCLUSIONS: Adalimumab was superior to methotrexate for the treatment of psoriasis.

Treatment burden and the perspectives of patients with psoriasis using topical treatments: results from a national survey of adults with psoriasis in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Topical treatments are the foundation for patients with psoriasis; however, adherence can be limited by patient preferences and treatment burden. METHODS: The Harris Poll conducted an online survey of US patients with psoriasis who use prescription topical therapy to examine their preferences and perspectives on topical treatments. RESULTS: Among patients with psoriasis who use topical treatment (n = 507), most participants described their psoriasis symptoms as mild (31%) or moderate (59%). The body areas most often reported to be affected by psoriasis were the scalp, elbows, legs, intertriginous areas, arms, and knees. Participants reported psoriasis affecting the scalp (39%), elbows (20%), and legs (excluding knees; 19%) caused the greatest impact on quality of life. Most participants (76%) preferred topical therapies to treat their psoriasis, while 20% preferred pills, and 4% preferred injections. The most common product attributes that participants wanted in a topical psoriasis treatment and that would help them to continue to use the treatment were: improvement in plaques (68%), itch relief (68%), and easy to apply (63%). CONCLUSION: The respondents to this survey reported that they prefer topical treatments to pills or injections (76%) and most (89%) reported they are interested in trying a new topical treatment.