Prevalence and Incidence of Psoriatic Arthritis among Patients with Psoriasis and Risk Factors for Psoriatic Arthritis in Republic of Korea: A Nationwide Database Cohort Study.

Population-based epidemiological studies on disease burden and risk factors for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in patients with psoriasis (PsO) are limited, especially in Asian populations. Therefore, the aim was to determine the prevalence and incidence of PsA among PsO patients in Korea, and examine associated clinical factors. A cohort study was performed to determine the annual prevalence and incidence of PsA among PsO patients between 2008 and 2020 using nationwide claims data in Korea. Risk factors for PsA development were also examined using logistic regression among matched PsA cases and controls. An increasing trend in PsA prevalence per 1,000 patients was observed; prevalence was 6.17 (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.73-6.65) in 2008 and 19.03 (95% CI 18.39-19.70) in 2020. Similarly, the PsA incidence rate per 1,000 patient-years increased from 3.35 (95% CI 3.01-3.72) in 2008 to 5.01 (95% CI 4.68-5.36) in 2020. Patients with plaque PsO, moderate-to severe PsO, receiving oral systemic therapy or phototherapy, with a higher burden of comorbidities, and concomitant autoimmune diseases had a higher risk of PsA. The results provide insight into the burden of PsA among PsO patients in Korea and risk factors associated with developing PsA.

Bimekizumab efficacy and safety in Korean patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: A phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study.

Bimekizumab treatment has demonstrated significant improvements in clinical outcomes in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis; however, studies so far have focused on predominantly White patient populations from North America and Europe, with one smaller study in a Japanese population. Here, clinical responses, safety, and tolerability of bimekizumab treatment in Korean patients are reported. Korean patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis were randomized to bimekizumab 320 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) or placebo Q4W to week 16. Co-primary efficacy end points were achievement of ≥90% improvement from baseline in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 90) and Investigator's Global Assessment score of 0/1 (clear/almost clear) at week 16. Secondary efficacy end points included achievement of PASI 75 at week 4 and Dermatology Life Quality Index 0/1 at week 16. Safety outcomes were also assessed. Statistical analysis of the co-primary efficacy end points was performed using a type I error rate, at a two-sided α level of 0.05. Overall, 47 Korean patients were randomized to treatment (bimekizumab: 32, placebo: 15). At week 16, bimekizumab-treated patients had significantly higher clinical responses versus placebo-treated patients (PASI 90: 81.3% vs. 0%; IGA 0/1: 87.5% vs. 0%, p < 0.001 for both). Bimekizumab showed a rapid onset of clinical response, with 75.0% of patients achieving PASI 75 by week 4 (0% in placebo patients [nominal p < 0.001]). A higher proportion of bimekizumab-treated patients achieved DLQI 0/1 at week 16 (46.9% vs. 6.7% in placebo patients, nominal p = 0.007), indicating greater improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following bimekizumab treatment. Bimekizumab was well-tolerated in Korean patients, with no new safety signals identified. Treatment with bimekizumab led to rapid improvements in clinical responses and HRQoL versus placebo in Korean patients, consistent with responses in global populations. These findings suggest that bimekizumab is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option in Korean patients with psoriasis.

Effectiveness of calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate aerosol foam in patients with small versus large plaque psoriasis in routine practice in South Korea.

Small plaque psoriasis is the typical form of chronic plaque psoriasis affecting adults in South Korea. The effectiveness of calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) aerosol foam for large and small psoriasis plaques has not previously been examined. We performed a post hoc analysis of a recent, 4-week observational study of Cal/BD aerosol foam use in routine clinical practice in South Korea. Investigator Global Assessment response ([IGA] 0/1 at week 4), Patient Global Assessment response ([PaGA] 0/1 at week 4), change in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), changes in psoriasis symptom scores, change in the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and the proportion of patients achieving DLQI ≤5 were analyzed for patients with small (≤5 cm; n = 131) or large (>5 cm; n = 35) baseline plaque size. IGA response rates were similar for patients with small and large plaques (59.5% and 51.4% respectively). Similarly, there was no significant difference between the small and large groups in mean change in PASI (-2.20 vs -3.34), the proportions of patients with DLQI ≤5 (62.3% vs 54.3%) or PaGA 0/1 (29.2% vs 40.0%). Mean improvements in DLQI (-4.04 vs -6.20) and in psoriasis symptoms including itching (-1.50 vs -2.83), sleep loss (-0.67 vs -1.89), dryness (-1.57 vs -2.97), scaling (-1.21 vs -3.57), and redness (-1.17 vs -3.11) were greater in patients with large plaques than those with small plaques. Itching and DLQI differences were not statistically significant after adjustment for baseline characteristics. Stratification by body surface area affected eliminated statistically significant differences between the groups for most outcomes. In conclusion, this analysis suggests that Cal/BD aerosol foam is an effective, well-accepted treatment for adult patients with the small plaques typical of chronic plaque psoriasis in South Korea, as well as for those with large plaques.

A Rare Case of Juvenile Gangrenous Vasculitis of the Scrotum in Korea.

Juvenile gangrenous vasculitis is characterized by the abrupt onset of scrotal ulcerations in young males, preceded by fever and pharyngeal symptoms. The etiology of this disease is poorly understood. The course is benign and self-limiting within a few weeks with no relapse. Because of its rare incidence, physicians often confuse it with Fournier's gangrene, which progresses rapidly to severe systemic symptoms requiring urgent surgical intervention. Herein, we report a rare case of juvenile gangrenous vasculitis of the scrotum and emphasize the importance of awareness of this diagnosis to avoid unnecessary invasive surgical intervention. A 17-year-old boy presented with painful and tender, diffuse erythema and swelling with a necrotic lesion on the scrotum for three days. Preceding the cutaneous manifestations, he had a fever and sore throat. Physical examination showed an about 2 cm-sized well-demarcated necrotic lesion on the anterior scrotum. Laboratory findings revealed neutrophilic leukocytosis with an elevated C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. On scrotal ultrasonography, only edematous skin thickening and an increase in vascularity were observed. Histopathological examination showed epidermal necrosis and dermal neutrophilic infiltration. Empirical antibiotic treatment with ampicillin/sulbactam and clindamycin was administered and a prompt clinical resolution was observed.

Pigmented contact dermatitis and hair dyes: A retrospective case-control multicentre study in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Pigmented contact dermatitis (PCD), a rare variant of non-eczematous contact dermatitis, is clinically characterized by sudden-onset brown or grey pigmentation on the face and neck. It is hypothesized to be caused by repeated contact with low levels of allergens. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the risk of using hair dyes in patients with PCD in Korea. METHODS: A total of 1033 PCD patients and 1366 controls from 31 university hospitals were retrospectively recruited. We collected and analysed the data from the patient group, diagnosed through typical clinical findings of PCD and the control group, which comprised age/sex-matched patients who visited the participating hospitals with pre-existing skin diseases other than current allergic disease or PCD. RESULTS: Melasma and photosensitivity were significantly more common in the control group, and a history of contact dermatitis was more common in the PCD group. There were significantly more Fitzpatrick skin type V participants in the PCD group than in the control group. There was no significant difference in sunscreen use between the groups. Using dermatologic medical history, Fitzpatrick skin type and sunscreen use as covariates, we showed that hair dye use carried a higher PCD risk (odds ratio [OR] before adjustment: 2.06, confidence interval [CI]: 1.60-2.65; OR after adjustment: 2.74, CI: 1.88-4.00). Moreover, henna users had a higher risk of PCD (OR before adjustment: 5.51, CI: 4.07-7.47; OR after adjustment: 7.02, CI: 4.59-10.74), indicating a significant increase in the risk of PCD with henna dye use. Contact dermatitis history was more prevalent in henna users than in those using other hair dyes in the PCD group (17.23% vs. 11.55%). CONCLUSION: Hair dye use is a risk factor for PCD. The risk significantly increased when henna hair dye was used by those with a history of contact dermatitis.

Calcipotriol/betamethasone aerosol foam (Enstilum) for the topical treatment of psoriasis vulgaris in routine practice in Korea: A prospective, noninterventional, multicenter study of treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.

An innovative foam formulation for the fixed-dose combination of calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) has recently become available for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris. Observational studies of patients treated with Cal/BD foam in routine practice have been conducted in several Western countries, but there are limited data on outcomes in Asian patients. We performed a prospective, open-label, noncomparative, noninterventional study to investigate treatment outcomes and satisfaction in adult patients receiving Cal/BD foam for psoriasis vulgaris in dermatological centers and outpatient clinics in Korea. Data were collected at the time of enrollment (Visit 1) and at a routine clinic visit ~4 weeks later (Visit 2). In total, 218 patients were enrolled, of whom 175 were included in the safety analysis set (58.9% male; mean age ± standard deviation 46.7 ± 15.1 years; use of Cal/BD foam at least once daily 74.3%). Of the safety analysis set, 166 patients had at least mild psoriasis (Investigator Global Assessment [IGA] ≥ 2) and were analyzed for treatment outcomes and satisfaction. Of the 166 patients, 71.7% had mild psoriasis (IGA 2) at baseline. The majority (57.8%) achieved an IGA of 0/1 (clear/almost clear) at Visit 2. The Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) showed significant improvements from Visit 1 to Visit 2 (PASI -2.4 ± 3.0, DLQI -4.5 ± 5.2, both P < 0.0001). Most of the patients were satisfied with the Cal/BD foam treatment; 77.0%, 60.0%, and 73.9% were satisfied in terms of effectiveness, ease of use, and global satisfaction, respectively. In the safety analysis set, adverse events were reported in 13 patients (7.4%). In conclusion, this first Korean real-world study of Cal/BD foam shows improvement of lesions and health-related quality of life after 4 weeks of treatment, with high global satisfaction and good overall tolerability and safety.

Comparison of Th1 and Th17 Inflammatory Cytokine Profiles Between Chronic Plaque and Acute Guttate Psoriasis.

Background: The phenotypic heterogeneity of psoriasis is suspected to reflect differences in its pathogenesis, but not yet completely elucidated. Studies of the Th1 and Th17 cytokines associated with different phenotypes of psoriasis have yielded inconsistent results. Objective: To investigate the tissue expression levels of Th1 and Th17 cytokines among patients with chronic plaque psoriasis, acute guttate psoriasis, and healthy control. Methods: A total of 20 patients with psoriasis (10 with chronic plaque type and 10 with acute guttate type) and 5 healthy controls were enrolled. The tissue mRNA and protein levels of following cytokines were measured: interleukin (IL)-12, IL-2, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-23, IL-17A, and IL-22. Results: The tissue mRNA levels of IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-23, IL-17A, IL-22 and the protein levels of IL-12, IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-17A, IL-22 were significantly increased in the psoriasis patients compared with the healthy controls. In comparisons of the subtypes, the tissue mRNA level of IFN-γ was increased in acute guttate psoriasis, whereas the protein levels of IL-12 and IL-17A were significantly increased in chronic plaque psoriasis. The cytokine ratios of IL-17A/IL-2 and IL-22/IL-2 were significantly higher in chronic plaque psoriasis than in acute guttate psoriasis. Conclusion: We confirmed that the tissue levels of Th1 and Th17 cytokines were increased in psoriasis patients compared with healthy controls. The increased IFN-γ mRNA level in acute guttate psoriasis and increased IL-12 and IL-17A protein levels in chronic plaque psoriasis suggest that an imbalance between Th1 and Th17 cytokines may play a role in the phenotypic transition of psoriasis.

Recurrent Cellulitis Associated with Acupuncture with Migratory Gold Threads.

In Asian countries, acupuncture with gold threads has been widely used in the treatment of pain. However, several reports have suggested that the implanted gold threads can become fragmented and migrate to other parts of the body, damaging surrounding tissues. A 75-year-old female presented with diffuse erythematous edema with multiple vesicles on the right lower leg for 3 days. She had previously suffered from cellulitis on the same region twice for the last 1 year. Her past medical history included acupuncture with gold threads on the back due to lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) about 10 years ago. Histopathological examination demonstrated marked subepithelial edema and diffuse perivascular infiltrate of inflammatory cells in the dermis. Simple radiography of the leg revealed numerous radiodense threads in the soft tissue. Since the patient did not receive acupuncture on any other sites except on the back, we hypothesized that the gold threads injected on the back may have migrated through the vessels to the leg. These metal fragments can cause inflammatory reaction and make the tissues more susceptible to secondary infections. The lesion gradually improved after treatment with systemic steroid and antibiotics for 1 week.

Real-world prevalence and burden of genital eczema in atopic dermatitis: A multicenter questionnaire-based study.

The involvement of genital lesions in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) is poorly understood. Moreover, clinical characteristics, potentially related factors, and impact on the quality of life (QOL) of genital eczema in patients with AD are also largely unknown. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and burden of genital eczema in patients with AD. A prospective cross-sectional study recruited a total of 220 patients diagnosed with AD. The participants were asked to complete the self-administrated questionnaire asking sociodemographic characteristics, details about their AD, and individual experiences of their genital eczema. Among 220 responders, 99 patients (45.00%) reported that they had experienced genital eczema at some time during the course of AD. Longer disease duration (odds ratio [OR], 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-4.62; p = 0.02), marital status (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.21-0.89; p = 0.003), involvement of the trunk (OR, 3.44; 95% CI, 1.81-6.52; p = 0.001), and involvement of the nipple (OR, 6.20; 95% CI, 1.39-27.63; p = 0.017) were the significant associated factors for the presence of genital eczema among patients with AD. Of note, the severe impairment of genital eczema-specific QOL was observed in 28.29% of AD patients with genital eczema. Especially, female sex (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 0.84-5.82; p = 0.04) was more associated with severe impairment of genital eczema-specific QOL. Many patients with AD suffer from the genital presentation of the disease. Moreover, genital involvement of the disease has a significant impact on the QOL of patients with AD. We suggest that more attention should be paid to the genital presentation of the disease to increase QOL and provide further delicate treatment of patients with AD.

The long-term risk of lymphoma and skin cancer did not increase after topical calcineurin inhibitor use and phototherapy in a cohort of 25,694 patients with vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Topical calcineurin inhibitors have been used to treat vitiligo, either alone or in combination with phototherapy; however, the long-term safety of these agents remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk of lymphoma and skin cancer in vitiligo patients who received topical calcineurin inhibitors or phototherapy. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study of 25,694 vitiligo patients who received topical calcineurin inhibitors or phototherapy for 6 weeks or more between 2001 and 2019 was performed. Cumulative doses of topical calcineurin inhibitors and total phototherapy sessions were determined. Outcomes were the development of lymphoma or skin cancer after enrollment, confirmed through chart review and pathology reports. RESULTS: During 95,203 person-years, 13 cases of lymphoma, 22 of actinic keratosis, 15 of nonmelanoma skin cancer, and 5 of melanoma were observed. The risk of lymphoma and skin cancer was not significantly increased by topical calcineurin inhibitor dose or phototherapy sessions. The interaction between the topical calcineurin inhibitors and phototherapy was not associated with an increased risk of skin cancer. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study, individual follow-up duration less than 4 years, and no adjustment for comorbidities and medication history. Not generalizable to other races. CONCLUSION: The long-term risk of skin cancer or lymphoma was not associated with the use of topical calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy, and both treatments in combination in patients with vitiligo.

Determining the efficacy of 27 commercially available disinfectants against human noroviruses.

BACKGROUND: Recently, monoclonal-antibody-conjugated immunomagnetic separation (IMS) procedure combined with quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) has been used for quantifying non-cultivated human noroviruses (HuNoVs). METHODS: We examined the efficacy of 27 commercially available disinfectants and a prototype against GII.4 strain HuNoV through the IMS/qRT-PCR assay. RESULTS: The average log reduction in viral titer in vitro varied among the disinfectants. The prototype was the most effective with an average log reduction of 6.86 log. CONCLUSIONS: The IMS/RT-qPCR assay is an effective method to evaluate the activities of disinfectants against GII.4 HuNoV in vitro. Further work is needed to enhance the virucidal activity of the prototype disinfectant against more resistant HuNoV strains.

Development of evidence-based consensus on critical issues in the management of patients with vitiligo: A modified Delphi study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Vitiligo remains a major challenge in dermatology. However, much of the treatment remains unclear, because little evidence is available. We sought to answer some critical questions pertaining to management of vitiligo patients. METHODS: A modified Delphi process among 31 vitiligo experts was conducted. A total of 12 clinical vitiligo treatment questions without clear answers were collected via a vote. To address each question, two members performed systematic literature reviews and prepared draft statements along with the levels of evidence and strength of recommendation. After reviewing the draft, all expressed their extent of agreement from 1 (strong disagreement) to 9 (strong agreement) for each item. The drafts were revised to reflect suggested comments. Discussion continued until all members agreed with the ultimate decision. RESULTS: The consensus process was completed after five rounds. We identified the best answers to 12 key questions, including issues on long-term phototherapy, systemic and topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, immunosuppressants, excimer laser treatment, and surgical interventions. CONCLUSION: This consensus would complement current guidelines and aid both physician and patient decision-making in the treatment of vitiligo.

The Risk of Systemic Diseases in Those with Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: From Mechanisms to Clinic.

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have been recently considered as chronic systemic inflammatory disorders. Over the past decades, enormous evidence indicates that patients with psoriasis and PsA have a higher risk of developing various comorbidities including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, cancers, infections, autoimmune disease, and psychiatric diseases. However, reported risks of some comorbidities in those with psoriasis and PsA are somewhat different according to the research design. Moreover, pathomechanisms underlying comorbidities of those with psoriasis and PsA remain poorly elucidated. The purpose of this review is to provide the most updated comprehensive view of the risk of systemic comorbidities in those with psoriasis and PsA. Molecular mechanisms associated with the development of various comorbidities in those with psoriasis and PsA are also reviewed based on recent laboratory and clinical investigations. Identifying the risk of systemic comorbidities and its associated pathomechanisms in those with psoriasis and PsA could provide a sufficient basis to use a multi-disciplinary approach for treating patients with psoriasis and PsA.

Evaluation for Skin Cancer and Precancer in Patients With Vitiligo Treated With Long-term Narrowband UV-B Phototherapy.

Importance: Narrowband UV-B (NBUVB) phototherapy has been the mainstay in the treatment of vitiligo, but its long-term safety in terms of photocarcinogenesis has not been established. Objectives: To investigate the risks of skin cancer and precancerous lesions among patients with vitiligo undergoing NBUVB phototherapy, based on the number of NBUVB phototherapy sessions. Design, Setting, and Participants: This nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study enrolled 60 321 patients with vitiligo 20 years or older between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2017. Patients and outcomes were identified through nationwide cohort data from the Korean national health insurance claims database, and frequency matching by age and sex was performed. Exposures: The number of phototherapy sessions each patient received between 2008 and 2017. Patients were classified into 5 groups according to the number of phototherapy sessions (0 sessions, 20 105 patients; 1-49 sessions, 20 106 patients; 50-99 sessions, 9702 patients; 100-199 sessions, 6226 patients; and ≥200 sessions, 4182 patients). We also identifed patients who underwent at least 500 phototherapy sessions (717 patients). Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcomes were the development of actinic keratosis, Bowen disease, nonmelanoma skin cancer, or melanoma after enrollment. Results: Among the 60 321 patients with vitiligo in this study (33 617 women; mean [SD] age, 50.2 [14.9] years), the risks of Bowen disease (<50 sessions of phototherapy: hazard ratio [HR], 0.289 [95% CI, 0.060-1.392]; 50-99 sessions: HR, 0.603 [95% CI, 0.125-2.904]; 100-199 sessions: HR, 1.273 [95% CI, 0.329-4.924]; ≥200 sessions: HR, 1.021 [95% CI, 0.212-4.919]), nonmelanoma skin cancer (<50 sessions: HR, 0.914 [95% CI, 0.533-1.567]; 50-99 sessions: HR, 0.765 [95% CI, 0.372-1.576]; 100-199 sessions: HR, 0.960 [95% CI, 0.453-2.034]; ≥200 sessions: HR, 0.905 [95% CI, 0.395-2.073]), and melanoma (<50 sessions: HR, 0.660 [95% CI, 0.286-1.526]; 50-99 sessions: HR, 0.907 [95% CI, 0.348-2.362]; 100-199 sessions: HR, 0.648 [95% CI, 0.186-2.255]; ≥200 sessions: HR, 0.539 [95% CI, 0.122-2.374]) did not increase after phototherapy. The risk of actinic keratosis increased significantly for those who had undergone 200 or more NBUVB phototherapy sessions (HR, 2.269 [95% CI, 1.530-3.365]). A total of 717 patients with vitiligo underwent at least 500 sessions of NBUVB phototherapy; their risks of nonmelanoma skin cancer and melanoma were no greater than those of the patients who did not undergo NBUVB phototherapy (nonmelanoma skin cancer: HR, 0.563 [95% CI, 0.076-4.142]; melanoma: HR, not applicable). Conclusions and Relevance: Our results suggest that long-term NBUVB phototherapy is not associated with an increased risk of skin cancer in patients with vitiligo and that NBUVB phototherapy may be considered a safe treatment.

Usefulness of the Psoriatic Arthritis Screening and Evaluation Questionnaire to Monitor Disease Activity in Management of Patients with Psoriasis: Findings from the EPI-PSODE Study.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are included in the group of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) caused by systemic inflammation; however, indicators for monitoring inflammatory activity in patients with psoriasis, such as the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), are limited. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the Psoriatic Arthritis Screening and Evaluation (PASE) questionnaire can be used to monitor disease activity in patients with psoriasis. METHODS: This was a multicenter, noninterventional, cross-sectional study. Demographic factors and PASI and PASE scores were collected to investigate associations between each. RESULTS: PASE data were available for 1,255 patients, of whom 498 (39.7%) had a score of ≥37. Compared with the group with PASE score <37, the group with score ≥37 had a higher proportion of women (34.9% vs. 48.8%, p<0.0001), older mean age at diagnosis (36.4 vs. 41.7 years, p<0.0001), more severe disease activity using PASI and body surface area measures (p=0.0021 and p=0.0008, respectively), and higher mean body mass index (23.7 vs. 24.1, p=0.0411). In a multiple linear regression model, PASE score was positively associated with cutaneous disease activity (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: After risk-adjustment, PASE was positively associated with PASI, which suggests that PASE can be sensitive to disease activity. Since psoriasis is regarded as one of the IMIDs, PASE may be utilized as a tool not only to screen PsA but also to monitor disease activity.