Comparators,study duration,outcome measures and sponsorship in therapeutic trials of psoriasis: update of the EDEN Psoriasis Survey 2001–2006

Background Several new therapeutic options for psoriasis have been tested in clinical trials in recent years. Choice of comparator, study duration and outcome measures are critical for interpreting application of trial results to clinical practice. Objectives We examined whether these trial aspects have changed substantially in recent years in comparison with the past. Methods A systematic search and evaluation of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for psoriasis published from January 2001 up to December 2006 in 14 leading medical and dermatological journals, compared with those published from 1977 to 2000. Results There were 140 RCTs of psoriasis in the period 2001–2006 and 249 in the period 1977–2000. The proportion of placebo‐controlled studies increased from 44·6% to 69·3%. The median study duration increased from 7 weeks to 12 weeks. The proportion of studies adopting the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score as an outcome increased from 30·6% to 57·7%, while the number of studies incorporating a quality of life measure increased from only one (0·4%) to 12 studies (7·7%). The proportion of studies sponsored by pharmaceutical companies increased from 61·0% to 73·7%. Conclusions Despite the increased number of new options, the number of head‐to‐head comparative trials has decreased and most trials focus on short‐term effects, probably reflecting the increased influence of industrial sponsorship on the research agenda.     

Real life management of chronic urticaria: Multicenter and cross sectional study on patients and dermatologists in Iran

Recently, advances in understanding the etiology of urticaria and updates of diagnostic and therapeutic management guidelines have drawn attention to chronic urticaria (CU) morbidity. The present study aimed to evaluate Iranian dermatologists' practice and real life management of CU patients. A total of 35 dermatologists and 443 patients were included in the study. Number of female patients was 321 (72.5%). Mean (standard deviation) age of the study patients was 38 (13) years and the median (inter quartile range) of disease duration was 12 (6–48) months. Severity of patients' symptoms was mild for 32.1%, moderate for 38.7%, severe for 18.8%, and 10.4% of them had no evident signs or symptoms. The most common diagnostic methods were physical examination (96.6%), differential blood count (83.5%), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (77.4%), and C‐reactive protein (62.8%). The number of dermatologists prescribed nonsedating antihistamines (nsAH) in regular dose and high dose mono therapy were 26 (74%) and 6 (17%), respectively. About 66% of dermatologists were familiar with British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) guideline. The most common first‐line treatment for CU by Iranian dermatologists was nonsedating antihistamines in regular or high doses. The real‐life management of patients with CU in Iran was in accordance with the available practice guidelines.     

钙泊三醇倍他米松软膏外用治疗寻常性银屑病的随机、双盲、对照研究

目的 探讨钙泊三醇倍他米松软膏外用治疗稳定期寻常性银屑病患者的临床疗效和安全性。方法 随机、双盲、阳性药物平行对照、多中心临床试验,入组320例寻常性银屑病患者,随机纳入试验组或对照组,疗程4周。试验组早晨外用模拟剂软膏基质,晚间外用钙泊三醇倍他米松软膏;对照组早晚单用卡泊三醇软膏。于首次用药后第1、2、4周观察临床疗效及安全性。结果 治疗4周后试验组PASI评分较基线下降百分比（79.23%）大于对照组（70.43%）,两组比较,P < 0.01;且在治疗1周后的疗效优于对照组。治疗4周后,PASI评分较基线下降≥75%的患者频数百分比比较,试验组有效率为73.03%,对照组为48.32%,P < 0.01,两组差异有统计学意义。治疗1、2、4周后试验组靶皮损红斑、浸润、鳞屑单独积分以及皮损总面积百分比等指标改善方面均优于对照组。320例受试者中不良事件发生率为18.1%,不良反应发生率为13.1%,两组间差异无统计学意义。药物不良反应主要为与皮肤有关的轻中度反应如瘙痒、毛囊炎、红斑等。结论 钙泊三醇倍他米松软膏治疗稳定期寻常性银屑病患者具有起效快、疗效好和用药方便、相对安全的特点。     

Evaluation of the efficacy,safety, and side effects of secukinumab in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis: real-world data from a retrospective multicenter study

BackgroundClinical studies have demonstrated that IL-17A inhibition with secukinumab is effective for clearing the skin of patients with psoriasis and has a favorable safety profile.ObjectiveThe authors aim to determine whether secukinumab is effective and safe for the treatment of moderate-to-severe chronic psoriasis based on clinical experience with this drug.MethodThe authors conducted a multicenter retrospective study in nine referral centers and included patients with psoriasis who had received secukinumab between March 2018 to November 2020. Data on demographic characteristics, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores, and previous treatments were collected from medical records. Patients were evaluated at 12, 24, and 52 weeks with respect to response to treatment and side effects.ResultsIn total, 229 patients were recruited for the study. A PASI score improvement of ≥90 points over the baseline was achieved by 79%, 69.8%, and 49.3% of patients at weeks 12, 24, and 52, respectively. The most common adverse events wereCandida infections and fatigue. In total, 74 (32%) patients discontinued treatment by week 52, including due to adverse events, or secondary ineffectiveness.Study limitationsRetrospective design.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that secukinumab therapy is reasonably effective in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Comorbidities and time length of the disease can affect the response to treatment. The rates of adverse events were high in this patient population.     

Efficacy and safety of etanercept in the treatment of recalcitrant psoriasis: An open-label,retrospective, observational study in Taiwan

BackgroundPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the quality of life of patients. Traditional treatments are limited by adverse side effects. Etanercept is a biological agent used as an alternative treatment for psoriasis.MethodsThis open-label, observational study conducted in Taiwan involved 22 patients with recalcitrant psoriasis who received a 24-week treatment with etanercept—50 mg twice weekly (BIW) during the first 12 weeks and 25 mg BIW in the next 12 weeks. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score at Weeks 0, 12, and 24 were recorded. Levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), antinuclear antibody (ANA), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) at baseline, Week 12, and Week 24 were obtained. Adverse events and blood tests were recorded as safety assessment.ResultsAt Week 12, 54.5% and 13.6% patients achieved ≥50% improvement from baseline in PASI score (PASI 50 and PASI 75, respectively); at Week 24, 66.7% and 23.8% patients achieved PASI 50 and PASI 75, respectively. The mean improvement in PASI was 49.8% at Week 12 and 59.8% at Week 24, while 100% and 62.5% patients had reduced ESR and CRP levels, respectively. There were no deaths or serious adverse events. Four patients developed positive ANA, one of whom had poor psoriasis control. Most patients (93.8%) had higher serum TNF-α levels compared to baseline.ConclusionsEtanercept is effective and safe in treating recalcitrant psoriasis, reduces ESR and CRP levels, and occasionally induces positive ANA titer associated with poor psoriasis control. Serum TNF-α level may increase after treatment, but this does not seem to affect PASI improvement.     

不同浓度配比的他扎罗汀倍他米松乳膏治疗寻常型银屑病的疗效观察

【摘要】 目的 探索不同浓度配比的他扎罗汀倍他米松乳膏治疗寻常型银屑病的疗效和安全性,筛选人体使用的最佳药物配比浓度。方法 采用多中心、随机、双盲、多剂量对照研究设计,2008年12月至2009年4月,中国医学科学院皮肤病医院等7个研究中心共纳入180例寻常型银屑病患者,按1∶1∶1∶1∶1比例随机分配进入4个试验组（他扎罗汀/二丙酸倍他米松浓度配比分别为0.025%/0.025%、0.05%/0.025%、0.025%/0.05%、0.05%/0.05%,简称为试验1、2、3和4组）和对照组（基质）,每日用药1次,持续4周。用药后第1、2、4周分别评价各组药物的疗效和安全性。多组计量资料比较采用方差分析和LSD-t检验,多组分类资料的比较用χ2检验或Fisher精确概率检验,采用CMH法分析各组的银屑病皮损面积和严重程度指数（PASI）反应率数据。结果 用药4周,试验1、2、3、4组和对照组改善达PASI75的患者分别为11例（30.56%）、12例（33.33%）、12例（33.33%）、19例（52.78%）和2例（5.56%）,各试验组达PASI75的患者比例均显著高于对照组（均P < 0.012 7）;此外,试验药物1、2、4组达PASI90的患者比例亦显著高于对照组（均P < 0.012 7）。用药4周,试验1、2、3、4组PASI评分下降率分别达59.52% ± 26.79%、57.19% ± 31.98%、56.85% ± 30.46%和68.21% ± 37.20%,均显著高于对照组（20.07% ± 28.55%）（LSD-t = 5.36、5.05、5.00、6.55,均P < 0.001）。试验4组的综合疗效表现更突出。试验1、2、3、4组和对照组药物耐受性良好,分别发生不良反应11例（30.56%）、8例（22.22%）、2例（5.56%）、4例（11.11%）和2例（5.56%）,试验1组不良反应发生率显著高于对照组（P = 0.012）,试验2、3、4组与对照组比较差异无统计学意义（均P > 0.05）。结论 0.05%/0.05%他扎罗汀倍他米松乳膏可作为后继治疗寻常型银屑病临床研究的推荐配比浓度。     

Antinuclear antibodies associate with loss of response to antitumour necrosis factor‐α therapy in psoriasis: a retrospective,observational study

Background An increasing number of patients with severe psoriasis are failing to respond to antitumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α therapy (etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab). Objectives We observed that many of these patients developed antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and antidouble‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) antibodies while on treatment prompting us to investigate whether their development is associated with anti‐TNF treatment failure. Methods All patients with psoriasis who had received anti‐TNF therapies were identified and their blood results and treatment histories were obtained from electronic patient records and case notes. Results A total of 97 patients had been treated with anti‐TNF agents (60 were on their first agent, 22 had been on and stopped one agent, nine had been on and stopped two agents and six had been on and stopped all three agents). ANA developed in 17% of patients on their first treatment, 54% of patients who had failed one treatment, 78% of patients who had failed two treatments and 83% of patients who had failed all three treatments. Anti‐dsDNA antibodies developed in 2%, 27%, 33% and 83% of patients from the same respective groups. Significantly, the antibodies developed before treatment had failed with all three agents and their development was not related to the total time that patients had been on anti‐TNF therapy. Conclusions This study suggests that the development of ANA and anti‐dsDNA antibodies on anti‐TNF treatment may act as a marker of forthcoming treatment failure. Large‐scale prospective studies are required to assess the importance of this observation.     

Effect of dupilumab on hand eczema in patients with atopic dermatitis: An observational study

Systemic treatment options for chronic hand eczema are limited. Dupilumab is used in atopic dermatitis (AD) but is not licensed for (isolated) hand eczema. In this observational prospective study we aimed to determine the response of hand eczema to dupilumab in patients with AD. Adult patients with hand eczema and AD received dupilumab s.c. at a 600 mg loading dose, followed by 300 mg every 2 weeks. Primary outcome was a minimum improvement of 75% on the Hand Eczema Severity Index after 16 weeks (HECSI‐75). Secondary outcomes were severity, measured using the Photographic guide; quality of life improvement as patient‐reported outcome, measured using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI); and AD severity, measured using the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI). Forty‐seven patients were included (32 males; mean age, 45 years). HECSI‐75 was achieved by 28 (60%). Mean HECSI score reduction was 49.2 points (range, 0–164; 95% within‐subject confidence interval, 46.4–52.0), which was already significantly decreased after 4 weeks (P < 0.001). DLQI score mean improvement was 8.8 points (standard deviation [SD], 6.0) or 70.0% decrease (SD, 26.4) (P < 0.001). Eighteen patients (38%) were classified as responders on the Photographic guide. There was no difference in response between chronic fissured and recurrent vesicular clinical subtypes. Similar percentages of patients achieving EASI‐75 and HECSI‐75 were seen after 16 weeks. In conclusion, this study shows a favorable response of hand eczema to dupilumab in patients with AD. This raises the question whether a response will also be seen in isolated hand eczema.     

Atopic dermatitis management: comparing the treatment patterns of dermatologists in Japan,U.S.A. and U.K

BACKGROUND: The incidence of atopic dermatitis (AD) is increasing worldwide. No large-scale study has previously compared the therapeutic management of this condition in different countries. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the treatment preferences of dermatologists in Japan, the U.S.A. and the U.K., and investigate their relationship with certain factors pertaining to the physician and his practice. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all registered members of dermatological societies in Japan, the U.S.A. and the U.K. Responses were collated and statistical analysis performed using chi2, Mantel-Haenszel and Breslow heterogeneity tests. RESULTS: Three thousand six hundred and eighty-eight completed surveys were returned. U.S.A. and U.K. physicians were significantly more aggressive in prescribing systemic medications, such as steroids, antibiotics and immunosuppressants, compared with those in Japan. Japanese dermatologists also utilized topical steroids significantly less. The use of alternative remedies was highest in Japan. All three countries had a relatively high degree of optimism for topical immunosuppressants, but less so for other emerging therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Both similarities and differences in the therapy of AD exist in the three countries studied. Factors related to the physician, patient population and culture may influence these observations.     

Efficacy,safety and drug survival of conventional agents in pediatric psoriasis: A multicenter,cohort study

The data on long‐term efficacy, safety and drug survival rates of conventional systemic therapeutics in pediatric psoriasis is lacking. The primary aim of this study is to investigate acitretin, methotrexate, cyclosporin efficacy, safety and drug survival rates in pediatric patients as well as predictors of drug survival. This is a multicenter study including 289 pediatric cases being treated with acitretin, methotrexate and cyclosporin in four academic referral centers. Efficacy, adverse events, reasons for discontinuation, 1, 2‐ and 3‐year drug survival rates, and determinants of drug survival were analyzed. A 75% reduction of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score or better response rate was obtained in 47.5%, 34.1% and 40% of the patients who were treated with acitretin, methotrexate and cyclosporin, respectively. One‐year drug survival rates for acitretin, methotrexate and cyclosporin were 36.3%, 21.1% and 15.1%, respectively. The most significant determinant of drug survival, which diminished over time, was treatment response whereas arthritis, body mass index and sex had no influence. Although all three medications are effective and relatively safe in children, drug survival rates are low due to safety concerns at this age group. Effective disease control through their rational use can be expected to improve survival rates.     

A phase IIIb,multicentre, randomized,double‐blind,vehicle‐controlled study of the efficacy and safety of adalimumab with and without calcipotriol/betamethasone topical treatment in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis: the BELIEVE study

Background Data are lacking on the use of topical therapies in combination with tumour necrosis factor blockers for the treatment of psoriasis. Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of adalimumab (ADA) with topical calcipotriol/betamethasone (C/B) in patients with psoriasis resembling those treated in routine clinical practice. Methods A 16‐week, randomized, vehicle‐controlled trial was conducted in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and previous failure, intolerance or contraindications to two or more systemic treatments. All patients received ADA (80 mg, week 0; 40 mg every other week, weeks 1–15) in addition to either topical C/B or drug‐free vehicle applied once daily for 4 weeks, and as needed thereafter. The primary endpoint was 75% improvement from baseline in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) at week 16. Results A total of 730 patients received either ADA + C/B (n = 366) or ADA + vehicle (n = 364). PASI 75 response was initially higher with the combination therapy [14·8% for ADA + C/B vs. 5·8% for ADA + vehicle at week 2 (P < 0·001); and 40·7% vs. 32·4%, respectively, at week 4 (P = 0·021)]. After week 4, the trend was towards a higher response with ADA monotherapy, with no statistical difference in the PASI 75 response at week 16 (64·8% for ADA + C/B vs. 70·9% for ADA monotherapy, P = 0·086). Safety findings were consistent with previous ADA trials. Conclusions ADA + C/B resulted in more rapid and higher efficacy within the first 4 weeks; thereafter, the trend was towards a higher response with ADA monotherapy. There was no statistical difference in the PASI 75 response at week 16. Both treatment regimens were well tolerated.     

An observational,prospective study of monthly adalimumab therapy for disease maintenance in psoriasis patients: a possible new therapeutic option for good responders to the initial induction treatment

Background While adalimumab is a mainstay of treatment for moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis, the data regarding optimal treatment intervals for therapeutic maintenance are limited. Objective We compared the clinical efficacy of biweekly maintenance administration of adalimumab with that of monthly treatment. Methods 17 psoriasis patients treated with adalimumab 40 mg every other week with initial loading dose of 80 mg until week 24 were assigned to the maintenance therapy with adalimumab 40 mg either every other week (n = 7), or every month (n = 10). The treatment efficacy was evaluated by the proportion of patients who achieved PASI 75 from the baseline at weeks 36, 48 and 60. There was no selection bias between the two groups. Results At week 24, all the patients except for one in each group achieved PASI 75. In both groups, all the patients who achieved PASI 75 at week 24 maintained PASI 75 responses at week 60. Regarding two patients who did not achieve PASI 75 at week 24, one biweekly treated patient experienced a gradual increase in therapeutic response while one monthly treated patient showed exacerbation after week 24. Conclusion Monthly adalimumab treatment seems to be a reasonable treatment option for patients who responded well to initial standard adalimumab treatment for 24 weeks. Since there are several limitations in this study, including the number of patients, observation period, and patients’ characteristics, large randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.     

Efficacy of betamethasone valerate mousse in comparison with standard therapies on scalp psoriasis: an open,multicentre, randomized,controlled, cross-over study on 241 patients

BACKGROUND: The scalp is a common area for plaque psoriasis. Corticosteroid-based lotions are the most widely used therapy in this clinical setting. A new formulation of betamethasone valerate 0.12% in a thermophobic, low-residue foam vehicle (Bettamousse trade mark, Mipharm, Italy; BVM) is available for the treatment of scalp dermatoses. OBJECTIVES: In an open, investigator-blinded, multicentre (28 dermatology clinics), randomized, cross-over study, the efficacy, safety and patient acceptability of BVM in scalp psoriasis were evaluated in comparison with standard therapies (ST, i.e. corticosteroids or vitamin D analogues). ST were chosen by each centre according to its usual therapeutic protocols. METHODS: In total, 241 patients with moderate to severe scalp psoriasis participated in the trial. After a 2-week run-in period, each active treatment (BVM or ST) was applied for 4 weeks, with a wash-out period between the two active treatment phases of at least 4 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated by investigators unaware of treatment sequence analysing a 'target' lesion for erythema, scaling, itching and burning using a five-point grading score. Patient treatment acceptability and assessment of the influence on Psoriasis Disability Index were evaluated using an eight-item modified Finlay-Khan questionnaire at baseline and at the end of each treatment period. Safety was evaluated by recording any adverse event occurring during the study duration. BVM was applied twice daily, and ST were applied once or twice daily, according to the approved scheduled regimens. RESULTS: Analyses were by intention-to-treat. Two hundred and ten patients concluded the study. Fifteen patients withdrew from the study during BVM treatment, and 16 during ST (not significantly different). Both treatments were well tolerated. At baseline, the mean +/- SD clinical global score (the 'Sum' score = erythema + scaling + itching + burning) was 7.6 +/- 2.6. The ST chosen were topical corticosteroids (55% of cases; mainly mometasone and betamethasone dipropionate) or calcipotriol lotion (45% of cases). At the end of active treatments, BVM was significantly superior to ST (P < 0.001) in reducing, as compared with baseline, the mean +/- SD Sum score (1.5 +/- 1.9 with BVM and 3.1 +/- 2.7 with ST). During BVM treatment, 88% (95% confidence interval, CI 82-94%) of patients had a complete or nearly complete resolution of scaling in comparison with 66% (95% CI 58-74%) during ST therapy (P < 0.001). BVM was also considered an easier and more convenient formulation to use in comparison with ST (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: BVM is more effective than lotion-based ST commonly used in the treatment of scalp psoriasis, and has higher patient acceptability.