Comparison of Perceptions of Skin Condition, Product Use and Allergen Reactivity Between People with Psoriasis and Controls in the European Dermato-Epidemiology Network (EDEN) Fragrance Study.

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, goes beyond visible symptoms and affects the general well-being of patients. The aim of this study is to understand how patients with psoriasis perceive their skin characteristics and reactivity to allergens. The study population includes 11,283 participants within the European Dermato-Epidemiology Network (EDEN) Fragrance study, covering several European regions. The study compared perceptions of skin dryness, sensitivity, product avoidance and reactivity to allergens between patients with psoriasis and controls, evaluating the potential influence of psoriasis severity. The results showed that subjects with psoriasis reported dry skin (71.1%) and sensitive skin (49.4%) more often than did controls (51.6% and 38.5%, respectively). Psoriasis patients were more likely to avoid specific products. Interestingly, there were no significant differences in patch-test results between the 2 groups and the severity of psoriasis did not have a consistent impact on these perceptions. In conclusion, people with psoriasis tend to perceive their skin as drier and more sensitive. Notably, the severity of psoriasis did not consistently influence these perceptions and objective reactivity to allergens did not align with subjective perception. Understanding these aspects is crucial for tailoring treatments to improve the well-being of patients with psoriasis, which warrants further research to explore subjective perceptions of skin well-being in patients with psoriasis.

Drug Survival of Upadacitinib and Predicting Factors of Discontinuation in Adult Patients Affected by Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: An Italian Multicenter Analysis.

Background: Limited real-world data are available on upadacitinib drug survival in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Objectives: To investigate upadacitinib drug survival, and the reasons and predictors of drug discontinuation in AD patients. Methods: All consecutive patients aged 18-75 years, affected by moderate-to-severe AD, and treated with upadacitinib for more than 1 month at dermatological clinics were included during November 2020-August 2023. Upadacitinib survival was investigated through Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the predictors through multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Overall, 325 adult AD patients (mean (SD) age, 38.6(15.6) years) had a 1-year and 1.5-year upadacitinib drug survival of 91.5% and 80.2%, respectively. The main reasons for drug discontinuation (25/325, 7.7%) were adverse events (4.9%), including cutaneous or infectious diseases (1.5%), such as acne and herpes zoster; blood test changes (1.2%), including hypercholesterolemia, creatine phosphokinase or liver enzyme elevation, and lymphopenia; urinary or respiratory infections (0.9%); deep venous thrombosis (0.3%); malignancies (0.3%); loss of consciousness (0.3%); and arthralgias (0.3%); followed by ineffectiveness (0.6%). No specific characteristic was significantly associated with an increased risk of upadacitinib discontinuation. Conclusions: Our findings show that upadacitinib was effective in moderate-to-severe AD after more than 1 year of continuous treatment but point to the need for clinical and laboratory monitoring of patients.

A critical evaluation of suitability of tralokinumab for treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adolescents and adults.

INTRODUCTION: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, intensely pruritic disease associated with significant patient burden. Recent advancements in AD pathogenesis have expanded its therapeutics pipeline. Tralokinumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds specifically Interleukin (IL)-13, inhibiting the downstream IL-13 signaling. Phase 3 clinical trials and some real-world studies showed that tralokinumab, as monotherapy or in combination with topical corticosteroids, is efficacious and safe in adult patients with moderate-to-severe AD. Similar results were reported in a phase 3 trial in adolescents (aged ≥12 years). AREAS COVERED: We review the role of IL-13 in AD and discuss the value of tralokinumab for treating moderate-to-severe AD, comparing efficacy and safety results derived from clinical trials and real-life data. EXPERT OPINION: The role of IL-13 in AD supports a targeted therapeutic approach. Tralokinumab has proven efficacious and well-tolerated in a large proportion of patients confirming its value for treating moderate-to-severe AD from age 12 years onwards; it quickly improves itching and can maintain a high-level of response over time; it can be administered with flexible dosing schedules. Future studies will further clarify the role of IL-13 pathway and which patients would be best suited to tralokinumab, shifting AD treatment into an era of precision medicine.

Comparison of Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety of Upadacitinib for Atopic Dermatitis Between Dupilumab-Exposed and Dupilumab-Naïve Patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Upadacitinib is an oral selective Janus kinase-1 inhibitor approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in patients [Formula: see text] 12 years of age. In real life, upadacitinib currently represents a valid therapeutic option for patients failing available systemic therapies, in particular patients who discontinued dupilumab because of lack of efficacy or occurrence of adverse events. The objectives of the present study were to compare the effectiveness and safety of upadacitinib in patients affected by AD who had previously failed dupilumab therapy versus biologic naïve patients. METHODS: A retrospective, multi-centre, observational, real-life study was conducted in four Italian dermatological referral centres (Milan, Perugia, Naples and Vicenza). Baseline characteristics included age, sex, AD history and severity, prior treatments, comorbidities and concomitant therapies. AD severity was assessed at baseline and at week 4 (W4), W16, W24 and W52, using Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (P-NRS) scores. Full blood count, hepatic and renal function, lipid panel, and muscle enzymes [lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK)] were assessed at baseline and at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: A total of 113 patients (72 males, 63.7%; mean age: 37.22 ± 16.8 years) were included in the analysis, all patients were in treatment and underwent follow-up period until W16, whilst 91 (80.5%) and 75 (66.4%) patients were in treatment and in follow-up period until W24 and W52, respectively. Mean EASI score significantly changed from 24.30 ± 10.27 to 1.28 ± 4.34, 0.74 ± 2.31 and 0.25 ± 1.34 at W16, W24 and W52, respectively (p < 0.0001). Specifically, at W16 the percentage of patients achieving EASI-75, EASI-90 and EASI-100 was 85.21, 76.35 and 66.11%, respectively. At W24, EASI-75, EASI-90 and EASI-100 were reached by 88.54, 85.42, and 78.37% of patients, respectively. Finally, 90.1% of patients achieved EASI-75, 88.3% achieved EASI-90 and 83.0% achieved EASI-100 at W52. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the clinical effectiveness of upadacitinib treatment in adult patients in a real-world setting with moderate-to-severe AD who had discontinued dupilumab due to poor effectiveness or adverse events and who were biologic naïve; therefore, previous treatments do not seem to affect the response to upadacitinib treatment.

A 52-week multicenter retrospective real-world study on effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in children with atopic dermatitis aged from 6 to 11 years.

Background: Dupilumab has been shown to be a safe and effective drug for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children from 6 months to 11 years in randomized clinical trials. Aim: The aim of this real-life study was to determine the effectiveness in disease control and safety of dupilumab at W52 in moderate-to-severe AD children aged 6-11 years.Methods: All data were collected from 36 Italian dermatological or paediatric referral centres. Dupilumab was administered at label dosage with an induction dose of 300 mg on day 1 (D1), followed by 300 mg on D15 and 300 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W). Treatment effect was determined as overall disease severity, using EASI, P-NRS, S-NRS and c-DLQI at baseline, W16, W24, and W52. Ninety-six AD children diagnosed with moderate-to-severe AD and treated with dupilumab were enrolled.Results: Ninety-one (94.8%) patients completed the 52-week treatment period and were included in the study. A significant improvement in EASI score, P-NRS, S-NRS and c-DLQI was observed from baseline to weeks 16, 24 and 52.Conclusions: Our real-life data seem to confirm dupilumab effectiveness and safety in paediatric patients. Moreover, our experience highlighted that patients achieving clinical improvement at W16 preserved this condition over time.

Characteristics of Patients Experiencing a Flare of Generalized Pustular Psoriasis: A Multicenter Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare, severe inflammatory skin disease characterized by recurrent episodes of flares. Characteristics of patients experiencing a flare are hardly described in a real-life setting. The aim of the study is to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients experiencing a flare of GPP. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective observational study on consecutive patients experiencing a flare of GPP between 2018 and 2022. Disease severity and quality of life were assessed by Generalized Pustular Psoriasis Area, Body Surface Area (BSA), and Severity Index (GPPASI), and Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) questionnaire, respectively. Visual analogue scale (VAS) of itch and pain, triggers, complications, comorbidities, pharmacological therapies, and outcome were collected. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients, 45 (68.2%) females, mean age 58.1 ± 14.9 years, were included. The GPPASI, BSA, and DLQI were 22.9 ± 13.5 (mean ± standard deviation), 47.9 ± 29.1, and 21.0 ± 5.0, respectively. The VAS of itch and pain were 6.2 ± 3.3 and 6.2 ± 3.0, respectively. Fever (>38 °C) and leukocytosis (WBC > 12 × 109/L) were found in 26 (39.4%) and 39 (59.1%) patients, respectively. Precipitating triggers were identified in 24 (36.3%) and included infections (15.9%), drugs (10.6%), stressful life events (7.6%), and corticosteroids withdrawal (3.0%). Fourteen (21.2%) patients were hospitalized because of complications including infections in 9 (13.6%) leading to death in one case and hepatitis in 3 (4.5%). CONCLUSIONS: GPP flares can be severe and cause severe pain and itch with significant impact on the quality of life. In about one-third of patients the flare may have a persistent course and, with complications, lead to hospitalization.

Face mask use in the community and cutaneous reactions to them during the COVID-19 pandemic: results of a national survey in Italy.

To mitigate the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, many countries have imposed the public use of face masks. We investigated attitudes and skin reactions in the Italian individuals wearing face masks during the pandemic. A cross-sectional survey on a random sample (N=1001) of the Italian adult population was conducted in May 2020 by the Italian Group for Epidemiological Research in Dermatology, and the Gallup International Association. Univariable and multivariable regression analysis were used to estimate the odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals. Most individuals (72.5%) wore a mask, 56.5% used a surgical mask and 53.0% a disposable mask. One-third changed the mask at least once a day, two-thirds kept a distance of at least one meter from each other, 50% washed their hands before wearing a mask, and 17.6% adopted multiple hygienic behaviors. Twenty percent of individuals reported redness, swelling, itching or erosions in the skin area of mask contact; the risk of this reaction was associated with young age, the use of respirators and a history of pre-existing contact eczema, psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. Health educational programs may improve compliance with combined preventive measures and reduce skin reactions.

Dupilumab Treatment in Children Aged 6-11 Years With Atopic Dermatitis: A Multicentre, Real-Life Study.

BACKGROUND: The management of paediatric atopic dermatitis (AD) is challenging, mostly relying on emollients and topical corticosteroids. Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody, has been recently approved for the treatment of children aged 6-11 years with moderate-to-severe AD not adequately controlled with topical therapies or when those therapies are not advisable. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate in real life the effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in the treatment of children aged from 6 to 11 years. METHODS: Demographic and clinical data of children aged 6-11 years, affected by moderate-to-severe AD and treated with dupilumab, were retrospectively collected from 24 dermatological and paediatric referral centres. Dupilumab was administered subcutaneously at an induction dose of 300 mg on day (D) 1, followed by 300 mg on D15 and 300 mg every 4 weeks. Disease severity was assessed at baseline and after week 2 (W2), W4 and W16 of dupilumab therapy using Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI), Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (P-NRS) and Sleep NRS (S-NRS) and Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (c-DLQI) score. RESULTS: A total of 55 AD children (24 males [43.64%], 31 females [56.36%]; mean age 9.35 ± 1.75 years) were included. A significant improvement in EASI score, P-NRS, S-NRS and c-DLQI was observed from baseline to W16 of treatment with dupilumab. In particular, at W16 the proportion of patients achieving EASI75 was 74.54%. Moreover, at the same timepoint a significant mean percentage reduction for P-NRS, S-NRS and c-DLQI was also observed (68.39%, 70.22% and 79.03%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our real-life data seem to confirm the effectiveness of dupilumab in paediatric patients on all disease aspects, including extent and severity of signs, intensity of symptoms, sleep and QoL, with a good safety profile.

Keratolysis exfoliativa-like eruption induced by ranolazine.

Dermatoses affecting palms may represent a dermatologic challenge from both the diagnostic, and therapeutic point of view. Patients with supposedly occupational dermatitis can spend months or even years in a frustrating attempt to avoid contact with possible irritants or allergens. To underline the importance of a thorough unbiased analysis of the patient's history and clinical features, we present the iconic case of a bricklayer affected by a chronic, disabling desquamation of palms which in the end was classified as keratolysis exfoliativa (KE) attributed to ranolazine-intake, an antianginal drug. To the best of our knowledge, this specific adverse effect of druginduced KE of palms has never been reported before in association with ranolazine.

Metastatic plasma cell leukemia to the skin: A case report with review of the literature.

Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare variant of leukemia with an aggressive clinical course and a poor prognosis. The cutaneous involvement in PCL is very rare either at clinical presentation of leukemia, namely leukemia cutis, or in the metastatic PCL to the skin. We present a case of eruptive multiple cutaneous nodules in a 56-year-old man with metastatic PCL. Histologically, a diffuse dermal and subcutaneous infiltration of ovoid cells with amphophilic cytoplasm and eccentrically located nucleus consistent with plasmacytoid morphology was observed. Neoplastic cells showed strong immunoexpression for CD138 and CD38 consistent with plasma cells phenotype, and loss of expression of CD56. Kappa light chain restriction similar to the phenotype of his PCL was demonstrated. We suggest that the evaluation of new skin lesions in leukemic patients should include a histopathologic examination to establish the diagnosis as soon as possible and a correct management of the disease.

Characterization of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Phenotypes: A Multidimensional Latent Class Analysis of the National Italian Registry IRHIS.

In spite of the large heterogeneity, limited data exist on hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) phenotypes. To identify the HS phenotypes that best explain the disease heterogeneity, a cross-sectional study using latent class (LC) analysis was conducted on a cohort of patients examined at 17 dermatological centers participating in the Italian Registry of Hidradenitis Suppurativa and being enrolled between January 2015 and January 2020. Overall, 965 patients aged 32.0 ± 12.4 years (mean ± SD) were evaluated. A three-class model in LC analysis best fitted the data. Patients in LC1 (20.1%) were females, mostly obese, with a high probability of axillary‒groin (0.85) and mammary (0.59) lesions and the highest HS severity. Patients in LC2 (29.6%) were nonobese males, with moderate disease severity; with a high probability of gluteal (0.50) and genital (0.17) lesions, besides axillary‒groin involvement; and with acne and pilonidal cysts. Patients in LC3 (50%) were nonobese females with a milder disease mostly limited to axillary (0.52) and groin (0.66) areas. The stratification of patients with HS into a severe axillary‒mammary‒groin phenotype with predominantly anterior body involvement in females, an axillary‒gluteal‒groin phenotype of intermediate severity mainly affecting males in the posterior body areas, and an axillary‒groin phenotype with mildest clinical symptoms and limited skin involvement may help in optimizing HS management.

Psoriasis severity matters when dealing with all-cause mortality in psoriasis patients: a record linkage analysis in Northern Italy.

Psoriasis has been linked with several comorbidities and increased all-cause mortality compared with the general population. Data are still limited concerning mortality especially from Southern European countries. Between January 2012 and December 2018, we conducted a retrospective cohort study on psoriasis patients and population controls in Northern Italy. Through record linkage of health-care databases, psoriasis cases were identified, and their morbidity and mortality were compared with the general population. The Charlson index was used as an index of comorbidities. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were estimated for overall psoriasis cases and for patients with mild vs moderate-to-severe disease, separately. We identified 12,693 psoriasis patients (mean age: 60.8 ± 16.3 years). They had a significantly higher Charlson index compared with the general population (p < 0.001). In spite of the higher rate of comorbidities, age-specific SMR was not increased in the psoriasis population as a whole (1.04 (95% CI 0.89-1.20)) or in people with mild psoriasis. However, a 40% higher than the expected risk of all-cause mortality was documented in individuals with moderate-to-severe psoriasis (SMR: 1.41; 95% CI 1.12-1.75). Notably, an excess mortality in these patients occurred as early as age 40-49 years. The proportion of deaths from malignancies and cardiovascular diseases was remarkably high. Our results support the notion that psoriasis severity influences mortality and indicate that patients with psoriasis, especially those with severe disease, should receive appropriate screening and health education.