Paradoxical psoriasis in pediatric patients: A systematic review.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Paradoxical psoriasis occurs in pediatric patients following treatment with biologic agents. These presentations are not well described, and optimal treatment strategies have not been established. OBJECTIVE: To describe the reported rates, demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, and treatment options for TNF-α inhibitor-induced psoriasis. METHODS: Systematic review of published cases and cohort studies of paradoxical psoriasis induced by biologic agents, with specific reference to TNF-α inhibitors. RESULTS: We identified 4564 pediatric patients treated with TNF-α inhibitors, of whom 210 (4.6%) developed paradoxical psoriasis. Infliximab was the drug most likely to induce psoriasis (8.3%), followed by adalimumab (3.3%). Individual-level data were acquired from 129 individuals with a mean age of 13.6 years (SD 4.0); 45.0% were male. The scalp was the most commonly affected area (47.5%), followed by the ears (30.8%). Most (63.3%) patients were continued on TNF-α inhibitor therapy. Among those who switched TNF-α inhibitors, only 32.0% had complete clearance of their skin lesions. Among patients who were switched to a non-TNF-α inhibitor, 81% had complete clearance of their paradoxical psoriasis. LIMITATIONS: Data were acquired from retrospective studies including case reports and case series. CONCLUSION: TNF-α inhibitor-induced psoriasis is a common adverse effect; however, most patients can continue their original therapy and be managed with skin-directed topical or systemic medications. If a patient requires medication discontinuation, switching to a new TNF-α inhibitor is unlikely to lead to resolution of their skin lesions.