Cumulative life course impairment in patients with dermatological diseases, with a focus on psoriasis.

The concept of "Cumulative Life Course Impairment" (CLCI) characterizes the set of factors harmful to the lives of patients resulting from the stigma and physical and psychological impairment associated with different chronic diseases, which can accumulate irreversibly over the course of patients lives. The sum of these factors often makes it impossible for these individuals to enjoy their lives fully, intensely and adequately. On the other hand, CLCI also incorporates coping strategies, including external factors and personality characteristics, which may act as modulating or protective factors of vulnerability to the CLCI. Although psoriasis is the most studied dermatological disease in relation to its impact on quality of life and CLCI, several other chronic inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and alopecia areata have also been evaluated in relation to the magnitude of the damage to patients lives.

Treatment of Psoriasis Patients with Latent Tuberculosis Using IL-17 and IL-23 Inhibitors: A Retrospective, Multinational, Multicentre Study.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis has a major global impact. Immunocompetent hosts usually control this disease, resulting in an asymptomatic latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Because TNF inhibitors increase the risk of tuberculosis reactivation, current guidelines recommend tuberculosis screening before starting any biologic drug, and chemoprophylaxis if LTBI is diagnosed. Available evidence from clinical trials and real-world studies suggests that IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors do not increase the risk of tuberculosis reactivation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate psoriasis patients with treated or untreated newly diagnosed LTBI who received IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors and the tolerability/safety of tuberculosis chemoprophylaxis. METHODS: This is a retrospective, observational, multinational study from a series of 14 dermatology centres based in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece and Brazil, which included adult patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis and newly diagnosed LTBI who were treated with IL-23 or IL-17 inhibitors between January 2015 and March 2022. LTBI was diagnosed in the case of tuberculin skin test and/or interferon gamma release assay positivity, according to local guideline, prior to initiating IL-23 or IL-17 inhibitor. Patients with prior diagnosis of LTBI (treated or untreated) or treated active infection were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 405 patients were included; complete/incomplete/no chemoprophylaxis was administered in 62.2, 10.1 and 27.7% of patients, respectively. The main reason for not receiving or interrupting chemoprophylaxis was perceived heightened risk of liver toxicity and hepatotoxicity, respectively. The mean duration of biological treatment was 32.87 ± 20.95 months, and only one case of active tuberculosis infection (ATBI) was observed, after 14 months of treatment with ixekizumab. The proportion of ATBI associated with ixekizumab was 1.64% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0-5.43%] and 0% for all other agents and 0.46% (95% CI 0-1.06%) and 0% for IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors, respectively (not statistically significant). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of tuberculosis reactivation in patients with psoriasis and LTBI does not seem to increase with IL-17 or IL-23 inhibitors. IL-17 or IL-23 inhibitors should be preferred over TNF antagonists when concerns regarding tuberculosis reactivation exists. In patients with LTBI considered at high risk for developing complications related to chemoprophylaxis, this preventive strategy may be waived before initiating treatment with IL-17 inhibitors and especially IL-23 inhibitors.

Management of Psoriatic Arthritis in Patients With Comorbidities: An Updated Literature Review Informing the 2021 GRAPPA Treatment Recommendations.

OBJECTIVE: The 2021 Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) treatment recommendations provide an evidence-based guide for selecting therapy based on the individual's disease features. Beyond the disease features and associated conditions (eg, uveitis and inflammatory bowel disease), comorbidities play an important role in selecting therapy for an individual patient. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature review. We examined the available evidence to inform treatment selection based on the presence or absence of comorbidities in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). RESULTS: Common comorbidities in PsA that may affect treatment selection include presence of baseline cardiovascular disease (CVD) or high risk for CVD, obesity and metabolic syndrome, liver disease, mood disorders, including depression in particular, chronic infections, malignancies, osteoporosis, and fibromyalgia and/or central sensitization. CONCLUSION: Comorbidities may influence both the effectiveness of a given therapy but also the potential for adverse events. It is important to assess for the presence of comorbidities prior to therapy selection.

Navigating the Multidimensional Impact of Living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: An In-Depth Netnographic Study on Social Media Platforms.

INTRODUCTION: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition causing considerable distress. It impacts mobility, social interaction, and quality of life. In Brazil, there is a notable gap in epidemiological data and patient experiences regarding HS. METHODS: This study, spanning 2019 to 2022, employed netnography to probe the experiences of Brazilian patients with HS. This approach gleans insights from online interactions, offering a direct view into patients' lives. RESULTS: Notably, the data illuminated the challenges patients face, such as difficulties in obtaining a diagnosis and the complexities involved in managing a chronic, and often debilitating, condition. Furthermore, patients' experiences with various treatments, encompassing antibiotics, biologic agents, lifestyle alterations, surgical procedures, and alternative remedies, were also examined. CONCLUSION: By undertaking a longitudinal analysis of patient interactions, the study aimed to offer a richer understanding of HS, from its diagnosis to its treatment. It underscores the necessity for a more patient-centered approach when managing this condition. We hope that this enhanced understanding can facilitate better care for those affected by HS.

Requirements for Brazilian Outpatient Centers of Excellence in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Consensus Co-Creative Study.

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition. Its complexity and impact on patients highlight the need for multidisciplinary care that can address the physical, psychological, and social aspects. Centers of excellence can ideally provide the necessary infrastructure, resources, and expertise to effectively treat HS. However, there are still no consolidated models of centers of excellence in HS, and establishing their foundations is an intricate research challenge. Purposely, design and co-creation as innovation techniques are helpful approaches to this type of research. Methods: In this study, we conducted a co-creation with consensus among HS specialists to propose the criteria and requirements to establish outpatient centers of excellence of HS in Brazil. We followed a linear process with mixed methods in 6 stages. Results: The process resulted in 10 categories for establishing outpatient centers, including their respective requirements, rationale, and classification. The categories include onboarding and welcoming; infrastructure and procedures; infusion therapy; flows and referrals; staffing; disease management; metrics during diagnosis; metrics during treatment; awareness and advocacy; research and education. Discussion: The idealized outpatient centers can play a role in the complete multidisciplinary treatment for HS and advancing the science of healthcare services by providing a focus for research, training, and translation of findings into practice.

Consensus on the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis ‒ Brazilian Society of Dermatology: an update on phototherapy and systemic therapy using e-Delphi technique.

This publication is an update of the "Consensus on the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis - Brazilian Society of Dermatology" published in 2019, considering the novel, targeted-oriented systemic therapies for atopic dermatitis. The initial recommendations of the current consensus for systemic treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis were based on a recent review of scientific published data and a consensus was reached after voting. The Brazilian Society of Dermatology invited 31 experts from all regions of Brazil and 2 international experts on atopic dermatitis who fully contributed to the process. The methods included an e-Delphi study to avoid bias, a literature search and a final consensus meeting. The authors added novel approved drugs in Brazil and the indication for phototherapy and systemic therapy for AD. The therapeutical response to systemic treatment is hereby reported in a suitable form for clinical practice and is also part of this updated manuscript.

Generalized pustular psoriasis in Brazil: A public claims database study.

BACKGROUND: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare and severe phenotype of psoriasis characterized by sudden outbreak of widespread coalescent sterile pustules associated with a spectrum of systemic symptoms. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe the epidemiology and treatment of GPP in Brazil from the public health care system perspective. METHODS: This was a retrospective public claims database study, using outpatient and inpatient databases, with information from January 2018 to August 2020, based on records of health resource utilization by patients with GPP. Outpatient treatment regimens and fatal inpatient outcomes were described. RESULTS: In total, 1458 outpatients of all ages were identified, of whom 53% were women. We estimated the GPP prevalence in Brazil to be between 0.7 and 0.9 per 100,000. Acitretin was the most commonly dispensed drug. Of all the outpatients, 769 outpatients could be tracked in the inpatient database, and 151 had hospital admissions during the study period. Of them, 5.3% had a fatal outcome during hospitalization. A primary skin condition or an infection was the most frequent hospitalization cause. LIMITATION: The International Classification of Diseases codes for GPP and psoriasis have not been previously validated in this context. CONCLUSION: GPP is a rare disease in Brazil and affects individuals of all ages and both sexes. Hospitalizations and disease-related deaths highlight the need for its prompt diagnosis, close medical follow-up, and effective treatment.

Therapies for hidradenitis suppurativa: a systematic review with a focus on Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with a significant negative impact on the quality of life of patients. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review to assess current treatment for HS, with a special focus on therapies approved or used in Brazil. We used the PICO framework to improve the research process. The systematic review was reported in line with the PRISMA statement checklist. The search was conducted with clinical questions on two global databases (PubMed (MEDLINE) and Google Scholar) and three databases especially selected to retrieve Brazilian outcomes (BVS, SCIELO and REDALYC). RESULTS: Overall, 4640 articles were screened, 182 articles were analysed and 70 were used in a thematic qualitative analysis. Of these, 12 articles were from Brazil. The evidence-based literature was largely limited to case reports, case series, observational studies and expert opinion. Topical therapy, lifestyle interventions and oral antibiotics appeared as effective measures for mild HS. However, moderate-to-severe HS remains refractory to conventional treatments. CONCLUSION: Some biologic agents, such as adalimumab, infliximab, ustekinumab and secukinumab, have been shown to be effective in the management of moderate-to-severe HS that failed conventional treatment and demonstrated a good tolerability and safety profile.

Cumulative life course impairment in patients with dermatological diseases, with a focus on psoriasis

Abstract The concept of "Cumulative Life Course Impairment" (CLCI) characterizes the set of factors harmful to the lives of patients resulting from the stigma and physical and psychological impairment associated with different chronic diseases, which can accumulate irreversibly over the course of patients lives. The sum of these factors often makes it impossible for these individuals to enjoy their lives fully, intensely and adequately. On the other hand, CLCI also incorporates coping strategies, including external factors and personality characteristics, which may act as modulating or protective factors of vulnerability to the CLCI. Although psoriasis is the most studied dermatological disease in relation to its impact on quality of life and CLCI, several other chronic inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and alopecia areata have also been evaluated in relation to the magnitude of the damage to patients lives.

Consensus on the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa - Brazilian Society of Dermatology.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic immune mediated disease of universal distribution that causes great damage to the quality of life of the affected individual, whose prevalence is estimated at 0.41% in the Brazilian population. The objective of this work was update on physiopathogenesis, diagnosis and classification of hidradenitis suppurativa and to establish therapeutic recommendations in the Brazilian reality. It was organized as a work group composed of eight dermatologists from several institutions of the country with experience in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa and carried out review on the topic. Recommendations were elaborated and voted by modified Delphi system and statistical analysis of the results was performed. The Brazilian consensus on the clinical approach of hidradenitis suppurativa had the support of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology.

Facial involvement and the severity of psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder characterized by well-demarcated erythematous-scaly lesions, affecting 0-6.6% of the world population. Facial lesions are neglected in most descriptions in current literature, although some studies indicate that it could be a predictor of psoriasis severity. OBJECTIVE: To compare the severity of psoriasis, measured by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), in patients with and without facial lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, whose sample size was 63 individuals for each group. Subjects were included in the HUPES Complex Dermatology Service (Salvador/BA - Brazil) from April 2014 to January 2016. Demographic information was obtained using a prestructured form. Assessments of psoriasis severity and quality of life were done using PASI and DLQI, respectively. RESULTS: Facial lesions were detected on 63 (50.0%) of the 126 patients included. The pinna was the most frequently affected region (63.5%). Mean PASI in the group with facial involvement was 14.0 vs. 6.0, when facial involvement was absent. DLQI means for these groups were, respectively, 7.5 and 4.7. CONCLUSIONS: Facial involvement in a psoriasis patient was a marker of disease severity, and its identification should influence the therapeutic decision.

Psoriasis and sexual dysfunction: links, risks, and management challenges.

According to the WHO, sexual health is not merely the absence of disease. Sexual dysfunction may be present in 40.8% of psoriasis patients, furthermore, 68% prevalence was found in Brazilian women with psoriasis. The moderate prevalence of psoriatic lesions in the genital area (35%-42%) does not explain the alarming prevalence of sexual dysfunction. Other factors, such as anxiety, depression, and also psoriasis treatment may contribute to its development. Likewise, atherosclerosis of the pelvic vasculature is involved in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction. Risk factors for erectile dysfunction tend to be confused with the comorbidities seen in psoriasis patients. We also highlight that it may serve as a marker of cardiovascular risk.

Consensus on the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis ‒ Brazilian Society of Dermatology: an update on phototherapy and systemic therapy using e-Delphi technique

Abstract This publication is an update of the "Consensus on the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis - Brazilian Society of Dermatology" published in 2019, considering the novel, targeted-oriented systemic therapies for atopic dermatitis. The initial recommendations of the current consensus for systemic treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis were based on a recent review of scientific published data and a consensus was reached after voting. The Brazilian Society of Dermatology invited 31 experts from all regions of Brazil and 2 international experts on atopic dermatitis who fully contributed to the process. The methods included an e-Delphi study to avoid bias, a literature search and a final consensus meeting. The authors added novel approved drugs in Brazil and the indication for phototherapy and systemic therapy for AD. The therapeutical response to systemic treatment is hereby reported in a suitable form for clinical practice and is also part of this updated manuscript.

Atualização do custo-efetividade por resposta de adalimumabe, etanercepte, guselcumabe, infliximabe, ixequizumabe, secuquinumabe e ustequinumabe no tratamento de psoríase em placas moderada a grave sob a perspectiva do Sistema de Saúde Suplementar brasileiro / An update of a cost-effectiveness per response of adalimumab, etanercept, guselcumab, infliximab, ixekizumab, secukinumab and ustekinumab for treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis from the perspective of the Brazilian Supplementary Health System

Objetivo: Os agentes biológicos representam um grande avanço no tratamento da psoríase em placas moderada a grave. No entanto, variações de eficácia, segurança e custos dos tratamentos podem dificultar a escolha do agente terapêutico. Este estudo teve como objetivo atualizar o custo por resposta dos agentes biológicos disponíveis para psoríase no ROL de Procedimentos e Eventos em Saúde (ROL) da Agência Nacional de Saúde Suplementar (ANS). Métodos: Uma análise de custo por resposta foi utilizada para avaliar a razão de custo pelo desfecho Índice de Gravidade e Área da Psoríase (PASI) 90. Os resultados foram apresentados para o primeiro ano (ano I), que compreende a fase de indução e a fase manutenção até completar 52 semanas e foi realizada uma análise da efetividade do tratamento num cenário de orçamento fixo. Os custos dos tratamentos foram calculados com base nos preços de fábrica (PF18%) da Tabela da Câmara de Regulação do Mercado de Medicamentos de junho de 2021. Resultados: Para o ano I, o guselcumabe apresentou melhor resultado para custo por resposta (R$ 130.467) PASI 90, seguido por ixequizumabe, ustequinumabe, secuquinumabe, adalimumabe, infliximabe e etanercepte. No cenário com orçamento fixo, o guselcumabe demonstrou ser o agente capaz de tratar com sucesso (PASI 90) o maior número de pacientes. Atualização do custo-efetividade por resposta para psoríase em placas moderada a grave. Conclusão: Sob a perspectiva do Sistema de Saúde Suplementar do Brasil, o guselcumabe apresentou o melhor custo por resposta PASI 90, sendo, assim, a terapia com melhor custo-efetividade no tratamento da psoríase em placas moderada a grave disponível no ROL.

Objective: Biological agents represent a major advance in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. However, variations of efficiency, safety and costs of treatments make it difficult to select the drug. This study aims to update the cost per response of biological agents available in the Health Procedures and Events Roll (ROL) of the National Supplementary Health Agency (ANS). Methods: A cost-per-response analysis was used to assess the cost per outcome of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 90. Results were presented for the first year (I), which comprises induction and maintenance for 52 weeks and a fixed budget scenario analysis. Treatment costs were calculated based on the prices of the 2021 Medicines Market Regulation Chamber Table. Results: Analysis of year I, guselkumab showed the best result for cost per cost (R$ 130,467) PASI 90, followed by ixekizumab, ustekinumab, secukinumab, adalimumab, infliximab, and etanercept. In the fixedbudget analysis, guselkumab is the therapy capable of successfully treating (PASI 90) the largest number of patients. Conclusion: From the perspective of the Supplementary Health System in Brazil, guselkumab showed the best cost per response PASI 90, thus being the most cost-effective therapy in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis available in the Brazilian ROL.

Skin disorders during menopause.

Menopause is the cessation of menstrual periods due to the loss of ovarian function. Among the various phases of a woman's life, menopause has the greatest impact on health and has been one of the most neglected areas of research. Hormonal changes caused by menopause can lead to problems in the skin and its annexes, and despite the high frequency of dermatologic signs and symptoms, studies on this topic are limited. In this article, we review the skin disorders that result from the hormonal changes of menopause and other common dermatoses observed during this period and assess possible therapeutic approaches.

Diagnosis and underdiagnosis of comorbidities in psoriasis patients - need for a multidisciplinary approach.

BACKGROUND:: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease that manifests predominantly in the skin, although systemic involvement may also occur. Although associated comorbidities have long been recognized and despite several studies indicating psoriasis as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, little has been done in general medical practice regardind screening. In the United States, less than 50% of clinicians are aware of these recommendations. OBJECTIVE:: To identify the prevalence of these comorbidities in 296 patients followed up at a university dermatology clinic. METHODS:: Systematically investigated comorbidity frequencies were compared with general practitioners' registry frequencies. Clinical features correlated with comorbidities were also investigated. RESULTS:: High prevalences of systematically investigated comorbidities such as hypertension (30%) and dyslipidemia (26.5%) were documented. Conversely, data from general practitioners' records showed that 33% of dyslipidemia cases were undiagnosed and indicated possible underdiagnosis of some comorbidities. Furthermore, an association was found between: the number of comorbidities and psoriasis duration, age and high body mass index an association was found between the number of comorbidities and psoriasis duration, age, high body mass index, waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio. (p<0.05). CONCLUSION:: Disease duration, age and high body mass index, waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio are possible criteria for choosing which patients should be screened for comorbidities. Underdiagnosis of comorbidities by general practitioners highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach in psoriasis management.

Psoriasis: classical and emerging comorbidities.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease. Evidence shows an association of psoriasis with arthritis, depression, inflammatory bowel disease and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, several other comorbid conditions have been proposed as related to the chronic inflammatory status of psoriasis. The understanding of these conditions and their treatments will certainly lead to better management of the disease. The present article aims to synthesize the knowledge in the literature about the classical and emerging comorbidities related to psoriasis.

Epidemiology and treatment of psoriasis: a Brazilian perspective.

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated systemic disease that is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, is associated with comorbidities, and has a negative impact on the quality of life of affected individuals. The prevalence of psoriasis varies among different ethnic groups, but this topic has not been studied in Brazil to date. In this review, we evaluate the epidemiology and treatment of psoriasis from a Brazilian perspective. We focused on studies that involved Brazilian subjects. The prevalence of psoriasis in Brazil is estimated to be 2.5%, but no population study has been performed previously. Environmental factors, such as tropical climate, in association with genetic factors, such as miscegenation, may exert a beneficial impact on the course and frequency of psoriasis in Brazil. A number of studies have advanced our understanding of the cardiovascular, ophthalmic, and oral comorbidities that are associated with psoriasis. Concerns about biological therapy, such as endemic leprosy, human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV), and tuberculosis infections, are discussed. The nonavailability of treatment options for psoriasis in the public health system contradicts the Brazilian Society of Dermatology guidelines, stimulating the judicialization of access to medicines in psoriasis care.