Plaque Psoriasis

Calling dermatology the study of the skin only begins to scratch the surface of the field. While environmental factors have been thoroughly looked at, advancements in technology are allowing doctors and researchers to look for deeper issues affecting their patients.

Study shows that adalimumab led to sustained clinical and functional responses in nearly one-third of treatment-refractory patients who completed 10 years of treatment. Patients with shorter disease duration achieved better outcomes, highlighting the need for early treatment.

A recent review looked at the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis, identified key mediators of psoriatic plaques that are being targeted by new and emerging biologic therapies, and highlighted the latest efficacy and safety data from trials of these new agents.

Researchers are learning more about the safety and efficacy of anti-interleukin-17 and anti-interleukin-23 (IL-23) therapy, although there are several agents currently under investigation. Anti-TNF agents and IL agents target psoriatic inflammation through different pathways.

Successful preliminary trials revealed that treatment with a novel anti–interleukin-23 monoclonal antibody, guselkumab, (CNTO 1959/Janssen) was more effective at reducing the symptoms of plaque psoriasis than adalimumab.

Inflammatory chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriasis bring many treatment challenges. Among them is the fact that biologic therapies for these diseases-particularly anti-TNF agents-while effective, can themselves bring reactivation of a latent tuberculosis infection.

Coming next from Medicare: the ICD-10 Obmudsman. Billing under the dreaded new International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10) coding system will get a bit less onerous under a deal brokered between Medicare and the American Medical Association.

Aerosol foam calcipotriol/betamethasone diproprionate (Enstilar/LEO Pharma) has been shown to successfully and rapidly relieve itchiness and improve itch-related sleep loss in patients suffering from psoriasis vulgaris (plaque psoriasis).

Results from a novel phase 3 study show treatment with adalimumab (Humira/AbbVie) produces favorable outcomes in young patients with plaque psoriasis.

Interleukin-17, one of the T-helper 1 (Th17) subtypes had been reported to be a significant trigger for plaque psoriasis however the specific contribution of each cytokine group still remains questionable.

Although psoriatic arthritis (PsA) only targets those diagnosed with psoriasis, a genetic factor has been discovered that only pinpoints the former.

A 50-year-old forest ranger noted this rash, which he thinks has been present for several weeks. He noticed a similar rash on his dog. It is itchy, with a raised red border and a clear center. It may have increased in size slightly over several weeks. He is otherwise asymptomatic. What is the next step in treating him?

Patients in the SPIRIT-P1 trial with active psoriatic arthritis treated with ixekizumab achieved significant improvement as measured by ACR20 compared to patients who received placebo.

TV Host Mehmet Oz, MD has survived professionally despite criticism of his promotion of questionable weight loss remedies. In the latest assault, 10 physicians publicized a letter they wrote the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons' dean, protesting Oz's faculty appointment in the department of surgery.

The first guttate psoriasis (GP) episode, which is often triggered by an acute infection such as streptococcal pharyngitis, often results in patients developing chronic plaque psoriasis, according to research presented at the 73rd American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting.

Patients with plaque psoriasis often experience clear improvement in their skin conditions after undergoing tonsillectomy.

This 29-year-old man came in for a wellness evaluation but notes having had this rash for 8 years. Occasionally it itches, but otherwise is asymptomatic and he has had no treatment for it to date. He does not take any medications and has no significant past medical history.

While several new treatment options for plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have launched in recent years, there is still much work to be done in the field to help patients through long stretches of care.

The array of medications and treatments for plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis continues to expand, giving doctors and patients more choices when deciding on a management plan.

A lot of work goes into a medication being approved for the public including many rounds of trials and adjustments along the way. For a new plaque psoriasis medication that work is well underway and the developers hope to have it to patients in the near future.

The development of new medications to help patients with plaque psoriasis seems to take steps forward on a daily basis. Results presented at a recent conference showed at least one could help provide much needed relief for this patient group.

Understanding the difference between clear and almost clear skin is crucial with the advent of new biologic therapies that make complete clearance attainable.

Novartis announced results from the CLEAR study demonstrating Cosentyxâ„¢ (secukinumab) improved skin clearance at Week 16 in significantly more moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis patients compared to Stelara®* (ustekinumab), a widely used biologic.

Study results show that patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis experienced significant symptom improvement after a single treatment with an experimental human antibody.

Researchers in Germany have figured out the process by which interleukin 4 (IL-4) inhibits inflammation, pointing the way toward a possible treatment for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases.

The medical marijuana program in Connecticut will expand to cover several additional conditions, including psoriatic arthritis.

The FDA will review the sNDA for Xeljanz (tofacitinib citrate) tablets for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis.

The addition of a topical corticosteroid to once-weekly etanercept produces similar outcomes among patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis as a regimen of twice weekly etanercept at the same dose.

Researchers have recently shown that switching from one biological agent to another could potentially prove effective for patients with plaque psoriasis when the initial treatment agent elicits insufficient response.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved secukinumab (Cosentyx/Novartis) for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The European Commission approved the same drug on Jan. 19. Its active ingredient is an antibody that binds to interleukin-17A and interferes with inflammation. The binding prevents that protein from triggering the inflammatory response that results in psoriasis patches.