Two cases of Erythrodermic psoriasis treated with Golimumab

Off-Label Treatment in Inflammatory Skin Diseases-European Point of View

Off-label treatment is the use of a drug approved for marketing, outside the registration in terms of indication, age group, dose or route of administration. Despite the constant appearance of new preparations on the market, treatment outside the SmPCs guidelines is a current clinical problem. It is believed that it is based on the needs of patients unmet by classical therapy methods. This work focuses on off-label treatment in inflammatory dermatoses such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne vulgaris and rosacea. Publications on this subject, available on PubMed, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library, were analyzed in the form of a review, taking into account the mechanisms of action, efficacy and safety of preparations. Based on the literature analysis, it can be concluded that the use of drugs outside the SmPC indications is a common situation in dermatology. However, it is difficult to determine its exact frequency-there is a lack of data on the prevalence of off-label appliances in inflammatory dermatoses from a European perspective. Publications demonstrate varying effectiveness and safety of this form of therapy, depending on the specific preparation. Off-label treatment in dermatology remains an important and current clinical issue that should be explored in further research.

From Manifestations to Innovations: A Deep Dive into Psoriasis, its Clinical Diversity, Conventional Treatments, and Emerging Therapeutic Paradigms

Psoriasis, a persistent inflammatory dermatological illness, places a significant load on those affected, requiring ongoing investigation into innovative therapies. This review examines the significance of pre-clinical models in defining our comprehension of psoriasis, as well as the valuable insights obtained from clinical trials that aid in developing treatment approaches. The evaluation includes existing established medicines such as topicals, phototherapy, and traditional systemic drugs targeting different pathological mediators of psoriasis. Further, emerging frontiers in the treatment of psoriasis are examined, including personalized medicine, novel biologics, small molecule inhibitors, and advanced delivery methods. The objective is to identify potential advancements that can be applied in clinical practice to the patients. In light of current knowledge, this review delineates what are perceived as critical future research directions and noteworthy therapeutic and clinical developments in the domain of psoriasis.

Childhood guttate psoriasis: an updated review

Background

Guttate psoriasis is common and affects 0.5-2% of individuals in the paediatric age group. This review aims to familiarize physicians with the clinical manifestations, evaluation, diagnosis and proper management of guttate psoriasis.

Methods

A search was conducted in July 2023 in PubMed Clinical Queries using the key term "guttate psoriasis". The search strategy included all observational studies, clinical trials and reviews published within the past 10 years. The information retrieved from the search was used in the compilation of the present article.

Results

Guttate psoriasis typically presents with an abrupt onset of numerous, small, scattered, tear-drop-shaped, scaly, erythematous, pruritic papules and plaques. Sites of predilection include the trunk and proximal extremities. There may be a history of preceding streptococcal infection. Koebner phenomenon is characteristic. Guttate psoriasis may spontaneously remit within 3-4 months with no residual scarring, may intermittently recur and, in 40-50% of cases, may persist and progress to chronic plaque psoriasis. Given the possibility for spontaneous remission within several months, active treatment may not be necessary except for cosmetic purposes or because of pruritus. On the other hand, given the high rates of persistence of guttate psoriasis and progression to chronic plaque psoriasis, some authors suggest active treatment of this condition.

Conclusion

Various treatment options are available for guttate psoriasis. Triggering and exacerbating factors should be avoided if possible. Topical corticosteroids alone or in combination with other topical agents (e.g. tazarotene and vitamin D analogues) are the most rapid and efficient treatment for guttate psoriasis and are therefore the first-line treatment for mild cases. Other topical therapies include vitamin D analogues, calcineurin inhibitors, anthralin, coal tar and tazarotene. Ultraviolet phototherapy is the first-line therapy for moderate-to-severe guttate psoriasis, as it is more practical than topical therapy when treating widespread or numerous small lesions. Systemic immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory therapies (e.g. methotrexate, cyclosporine, retinoids, fumaric acid esters and biologics) may be considered for patients with moderate-to-severe guttate psoriasis who fail to respond to phototherapy and topical therapies.

Erythema nodosum after golimumab treatment in ankylosing spondylitis patients: a case report and literature review

Introduction

Erythema nodosum (EN) is a self-limited septal panniculitis that presents with fever, arthralgia, and arthritis. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitor such as golimumab has been found to treat EN in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We herein report the paradoxical occurrence of EN following golimumab for ankylosing spondylitis.

Case presentation

A 34-year-old female presented in June 2022 with a complaint of 'sores' on her feet that intermittently presented for approximately 5 months but that had worsened dramatically in the last 24 h. The patient had an 8-year history of ankylosing spondylitis for 7 years. Subcutaneous golimumab was administered every 4 weeks as she had not responded to other treatments. Twenty-four hours after the fifth subcutaneous injection, painful, erythematous nodules appeared, histologically compatible with EN. Despite this side effect, we continue therapy due to the good response and efficacy.

Discussion

Skin reactions were associated with the treatment with golimumab, including warm tender skin around the injection site, eruptions, itchiness, and sometimes a full-body rash. Golimumab was successfully used in treating EN in Crohn's disease. Because our patient continued on golimumab, the temporal association of EN flares with therapeutic injection and the lack of any etiology support a direct causal relationship between EN and golimumab treatment.

Conclusion

TNF-α inhibitors are useful in treating Crohn's disease patients with EN, although it may present as an adverse effect of this treatment. Further work is needed.

Biological treatment for erythrodermic psoriasis

INTRODUCTION

Erythrodermic psoriasis (EP) is an extreme and potentially life-threatening form of psoriasis in which most or all of the body surface area is affected by psoriasis. It occurs in 1-2% of patients with psoriasis and is less responsive to conventional therapies. Biologics have shown promise in the management of EP.

AREAS COVERED

This review briefly discusses the pathophysiology of EP. Current evidence on established and emerging targeted therapies for EP is covered, including anti-TNF-α biologics, IL-12/23, IL-17, and IL-23 inhibitors.

EXPERT OPINION

The need for rapidly acting, safe, and efficacious agents in EP has been met with advent of newer biologics, particularly IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors. These targeted approaches warrant consideration as first-line management option for the management of EP; however, high-quality evidence regarding their long-term efficacy and safety in EP is lacking. Novel biologics such as bimekizumab and mirikizumab, and nanobodies such as netakimab and sonelokimab have shown promise in the management of plaque psoriasis, and potential of these molecules in management of EP should be explored. Management of patients with prior biologic failure remains a challenge. Guidelines for the management of EP need to be revisited in light of the recent advances.