COVID-19 vaccines do not trigger psoriasis flares in patients with psoriasis treated with apremilast

Plaque Psoriasis Exacerbation and COVID-19 Vaccination: Assessing the Characteristics of the Flare and the Exposome Parameters

The diverse patient population and widespread vaccination in the COVD-19 era make vaccine-triggered episodes of psoriasis an ideal model of exposome research. This scenario explores the fine balance between protective and exacerbating factors, providing insights into the complex relationship between environmental exposure and psoriasis immunopathogenesis when a trigger appears, such as that of the hyperinflammatory state induced by the COVID-19 vaccine. Analyzing interactions between vaccine-induced phenomena and exposome parameters may provide clinically relevant information important for personalized medicine decision-making. We performed a literature review seeking patients with plaque psoriasis flares or new onset or change in plaque psoriasis into another psoriasis subtype, such as pustular or erythrodermic flare, focusing on the inner and external exposome traits of patients. We identified 71 patients with plaque psoriasis flares, 12 patients with new-onset psoriasis, and 17 with plaque psoriasis subtype change, and assessed the COVID-19 vaccine-induced plaque psoriasis in terms of clinical presentation, post-vaccination flare period and treatment status, as well as inner exposome parameters (genomics, oxidative stress, hormonal impact due to gender, aging, skin color) and external parameters (UV, infectomics). Novel data on psoriasis flares following COVID-19 vaccination are primarily obtained by combining exposome and vaccine-triggered episode features and characteristics and comparing them with similar psoriasis flares unrelated to COVID-19 vaccination.

Apremilast in Psoriasis Patients With Serious Comorbidities: a Case Series and Systematic Review of Literature

INTRODUCTION

Patients with serious comorbidities are traditionally excluded from clinical trials. Apremilast is not contraindicated in active infections, malignancy and serious hepatic or renal impairment, but real-life data is needed to support this recommendation.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this paper is to present our personal as well as literature-sourced real-world evidenced on apremilast use in psoriasis patients with serious baseline comorbidities.

METHODS

A case-series and systematic literature review were performed. The psoriasis archives of a tertiary-care hospital, four electronic databases (MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Google scholar) and other sources were searched (January 2014 - July 2021). Identified records were considered eligible, if they reported on the use of apremilast monotherapy in psoriasis patients with chronic infections, history of malignancy, serious liver, renal, psychiatric, or other disease(s).

RESULTS

At least 841 psoriasis patients with serious baseline diseases received apremilast. Only 3 cases of cancer progression and no infection reactivations or worsening of other diseases were documented. No increased frequency/severity of adverse events or reduced drug efficacy were noted. Main limitations of this study are the exclusion of a few reports due to inappropriately documented data and the fact that at least some patients might have been counted more than once.

CONCLUSIONS

Apremilast is a safe and adequately efficacious option for psoriasis that cannot be treated/is challenging to treat with classic systemic agents and/or biologics.

Immunogenicity of three doses of anti-SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 vaccine in psoriasis patients treated with biologics

Introduction

Psoriasis has not been directly linked to a poor prognosis for COVID-19, yet immunomodulatory agents used for its management may lead to increased vulnerability to the dangerous complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as impair the effectiveness of the recently introduced vaccines. The three-dose antibody response trend and the safety of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in psoriasis patients treated with biologic drugs have remained under-researched.

Materials and methods

Forty-five psoriatic patients on biologic treatment were enrolled to evaluate their humoral response to three doses of BNT162b2. IgG titers anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were evaluated at baseline (day 0, first dose), after 3 weeks (second dose), four weeks post-second dose, at the time of the third dose administration and 4 weeks post-third dose. Seropositivity was defined as IgG ≥15 antibody-binding units (BAU)/mL. Data on vaccine safety were also collected by interview at each visit.

Results

A statistically significant increase in antibody titers was observed after each dose of vaccine compared with baseline, with no significant differences between patients and controls. Methotrexate used in combination with biologics has been shown to negatively influence the antibody response to the vaccine. On the contrary, increasing body mass index (BMI) positively influenced the antibody response. No adverse effects were reported, and no relapses of psoriasis were observed in the weeks following vaccine administration in our study population.

Conclusions

Our data are largely consistent with the recent literature on this topic confirming the substantial efficacy and safety of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine on psoriatic patients treated with biologics of different types and support the recommendation to perform additional doses in this specific subgroup of patients.

New Onset and Exacerbations of Psoriasis Following COVID-19 Vaccines: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Vaccination has been promoted to control viral transmission in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Cases of new-onset or exacerbation of psoriasis, an immune-mediated inflammatory disease, were reported following COVID-19 vaccination. However, a comprehensive review examining the association between COVID-19 vaccination and the occurrence or exacerbation of psoriasis has yet to be performed.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the demographics, clinical variables, and outcomes associated with psoriasis following COVID-19 vaccination.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases from database inception to April 25, 2022. The review included studies with relevant terms, including 'psoriasis,' 'psoriasis vulgaris,' 'guttate psoriasis,' 'pustular psoriasis,' 'palmoplantar pustulosis,' 'psoriatic erythroderma,' 'psoriatic arthritis,' 'COVID-19,' and 'vaccine.' We included all studies reporting at least one patient who developed new-onset psoriasis or experienced a psoriasis flare following at least one dose of any COVID-19 vaccine. A flare was defined as the worsening of disease conditions after vaccination according to the study by Gregoire et al. The appraisal tool described by Murad et al. was used to assess the quality of case reports and series, whereas the National Institute of Health quality assessment tool was used to assess observational studies.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 367 results, including 7 studies reporting new-onset psoriasis, 32 studies reporting psoriasis flares, and 4 studies reporting both. The most commonly observed psoriasis subtype was plaque-type psoriasis. mRNA vaccines, including those produced by Moderna and BioNTech/Pfizer, were frequently associated with subsequent psoriasis episodes. First, second, and third vaccine doses were associated with psoriasis incidents, with the second dose most frequently associated with psoriasis flares. Delayed onset was observed, ranging from 2 to 21 days in the new-onset group and from 1 to 90 days in the flare group. Most patients experienced favorable outcomes, with improvement or resolution occurring within 3 days to 4 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Both new-onset psoriasis and psoriasis flares were reported as cutaneous adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination. Psoriatic patients may require regular follow-up before and after COVID-19 vaccination.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Review registration number PROSPERO database: CRD42022304157.

Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination in patients with psoriasis: A position statement from India by SIG psoriasis (IADVL Academy)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected every sphere of life including management of psoriasis. The availability of COVID-19 vaccines has given rise to hope and at the same time some apprehensions as well. With the general population becoming eligible for vaccination, there is some confusion, on the eligibility of patients with different medical conditions and patients on immunosuppressive or immunomodulating medications for COVID-19 vaccination. Dermatologists treating psoriasis patients frequently face questions from them, whether they can undergo coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination. A PUBMED search was performed using the following strategy: 'COVID-19' AND 'Vaccine' AND 'Psoriasis'. We also performed a PUBMED search using the following strategy: 'SARS-CoV-2' AND 'Vaccine' AND 'Psoriasis'. All articles irrespective of language and publication date were included to arrive at this position statement. This position statement deals with the safety, eligibility and modifications of treatment, if needed among psoriasis patients with regards to the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines currently available in India.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and practical points in psoriasis patients: a narrative review

SARS‐CoV2 vaccines were approved without long‐term monitoring due to emergent situations. This has raised some issues about timing and protocol of receiving vaccines in specific situations including patients with chronic inflammatory disorders such as psoriasis. Here, we present different aspects of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and vaccination in psoriasis patients and aim to provide solutions to overcome the potential challenges. In brief, the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risk; vaccine‐triggered de novo or flares of psoriasis is uncommon. As such, all psoriasis patients, especially those receiving systemic treatments including anti tumor necrosis factor agents, are strongly recommended to get SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines. It is recommended that new immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory therapies be initiated at least 1 week after the second SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine dose, if possible. In addition, in severe and active forms of psoriasis, it is better to delay vaccination until stabilization of the disease.

Biologics for Psoriasis During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a new form of acute infectious respiratory syndrome first reported in 2019, has rapidly spread worldwide and has been recognized as a pandemic by the WHO. It raised widespread concern about the treatment of psoriasis in this COVID-19 pandemic era, especially on the biologics use for patients with psoriasis. This review will summarize key information that is currently known about the relationship between psoriasis, biological treatments, and COVID-19, and vaccination-related issues. We also provide references for dermatologists and patients when they need to make clinical decisions. Currently, there is no consensus on whether biological agents increase the risk of coronavirus infection; however, current research shows that biological agents have no adverse effects on the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 with psoriasis. In short, it is not recommended to stop biological treatment in patients with psoriasis to prevent the infection risk, and for those patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the decision to pause biologic therapy should be considered on a case-by-case basis, and individual risk and benefit should be taken into account. Vaccine immunization against SARS-CoV-2 is strictly recommendable in patients with psoriasis without discontinuation of their biologics but evaluating the risk-benefit ratio of maintaining biologics before vaccination is mandatory at the moment.

Acute exacerbation of psoriasis after COVID-19 Pfizer vaccination

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused many deaths worldwide. Managing and diagnosing dermatological conditions has become difficult during this era, especially with the widespread administration of vaccines. We report a 58-year-old man with a history of psoriasis and multiple comorbidities who presented with a worsening pruritic rash 1 week after receiving the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine. He was treated with triamcinolone-based wet wraps, triamcinolone ointment, and hydroxyzine, which improved his rash significantly after 6 days of hospitalization.

Safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in psoriatic patients treated with biologics: A real life experience

Vaccination is the most effective method to prevent and control the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and biologics are not considered a contraindication for vaccination. The burning question is that safety data are lacking since patients taking drugs affecting the immune system were excluded from clinical trials leading to vaccine approbation. Moreover, it seems that vaccination could worsen psoriasis. We conducted a survey to investigate the safety of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines in psoriatic patients treated with biologics. A total of 150 patients with stable plaque psoriasis treated with biologics for at least 2 months were evaluated in a 3 months period. Fifty patients (22 F/28 M; age: 33–83 years) only underwent the first and second doses of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines. All patients discontinued their biological agents 10 days before and 10 days after each dose of vaccine. Of these, 24 patients were treated with anti‐TNF, 14 with anti‐IL17, 7 with anti‐IL12‐23, and 5 with anti‐IL23. After the vaccines, all patients were evaluated at day 2, 7, and 14 for local and/or systemic side effects and/or adverse drug reactions to SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines. None of the patients experienced any side effects or a psoriatic flare. Only one patient treated with infliximab biosimilar referred an exacerbation of psoriasis after vaccine. The remaining 100 patients reported that they did not get the vaccine yet. Our preliminary data confirm that SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccines are safe for patients with chronic plaque psoriasis treated with biologics and did not trigger psoriasis, although these data should be validated in a larger population. We encourage an early SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines administration in all psoriatic patients on immunosuppressant drugs.

Teledermatology Service During the COVID-19 Pandemic in China: A Mobile Application-Based Retrospective Study

Purpose

During the COVID-19 pandemic, teledermatology service was increased rapidly. The purpose of our study was to analyze the characteristics of patients and common skin diseases via teledermatology during the COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China.

Patients and Methods

During weekends between January 21 and April 4, 2020, the data of patients who used teledermatology service via a mobile application were collected, including gender, age, and diagnosis.

Results

A total of 698 patients (315 men and 383 women), with a mean age of 26 years, used this service. The top ten common diseases in order of proportion were eczema (22%), acne (9%), atopic dermatitis (9%), urticaria (5%), contact dermatitis (5%), herpes zoster (3%), warts (3%), folliculitis (3%), prurigo (3%), and androgenetic alopecia (2%). When classified according to age groups, atopic dermatitis was the most common condition for patients in the first decade, acne was more prevalent in the second and third decades, and eczema was the most prevalent condition for all other age groups.

Conclusion

The ten common diseases accounted for the majority of the evaluated cases and varied by age group, allowing individualizing teledermatology services.

Response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in immune mediated inflammatory diseases: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

The treatment for COVID-19 often utilizes immune-modulating drugs. These drugs are also used in immune mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). We performed a systematic review about seroconversion after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with IMIDs and impact of various drugs on seroconversion rates.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched to identify relevant studies reporting seroconversion rates following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in IMIDs. We calculated the pooled seroconversion rates after a single or two doses of vaccination, pooled seroconversion rates in patients with specific IMIDs, and rates in patients on various drugs/drug classes.

Results

Twenty-five studies were included in the systematic review. The pooled seroconversion rates after two doses of mRNA vaccination were higher (83.1, 95%CI: 74.9–89.0, I² = 90%) as compared to a single dose (69.3, 52.4–82.3, I² = 95%). The odds of seroconversion were lower in IMIDs as compared to healthy controls (0.05, 0.02–0.13, I² = 21%). The seroconversion rates in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (95.2, 95%CI: 92.6–96.9, I² = 0%), spondyloarthropathy (95.6, 95% CI: 83.4–98.9, I² = 35%), and systemic lupus erythematosus (90.7, 95%CI: 85.4–94.2, I² = 0%) were higher as compared to rheumatoid arthritis (79.5, 95% CI: 65.1–88.9, I² = 85%), and vasculitis (70.5, 95% CI: 52.9–83.5, I² = 51%). The seroconversion rates following double dose of mRNA were excellent (>90%) in those on anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF), anti-integrin (vedolizumab), anti-IL 17 (secukinumab), anti-IL6 (Tocilizumab) and anti-IL12/23 (Ustekinumab) therapies but attenuated (<70%) in patients on anti-CD20 (Rituximab) or anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen (CTLA-4) therapies (Abatacept). The seroconversion rates were good (70–90%) with steroids, hydroxychloroquine, JAK inhibitors, mycophenolate mofetil and leflunomide. Combination of anti-TNF with immunomodulators (azathioprine, 6-meracptopurine, methotrexate) resulted in an attenuated vaccine response as compared to anti-TNF monotherapy.

Conclusion

Seroconversion rates after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination are lower in patients with IMIDs. Certain therapies (anti-TNF, anti-integrin, anti-IL 17, anti-IL6, anti-12/23) do not impact seroconversion rates while others (anti-CD20, anti-CTLA-4) result in poorer responses.

Cutaneous Adverse Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccines: Insights from an Immuno-Dermatological Perspective

(1) Background: Numerous vaccines are under preclinical and clinical development for prevention of severe course and lethal outcome of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In light of high efficacy rates and satisfactory safety profiles, some agents have already reached approval and are now distributed worldwide, with varying availability. Real-world data on cutaneous adverse drug reactions (ADRs) remain limited. (2) Methods: We performed a literature research concerning cutaneous ADRs to different COVID-19 vaccines, and incorporated our own experiences. (3) Results: Injection site reactions are the most frequent side effects arising from all vaccine types. Moreover, delayed cutaneous ADRs may occur after several days, either as a primary manifestation or as a flare of a pre-existing inflammatory dermatosis. Cutaneous ADRs may be divided according to their cytokine profile, based on the preponderance of specific T-cell subsets (i.e., Th1, Th2, Th17/22, Tregs). Specific cutaneous ADRs mimic immunogenic reactions to the natural infection with SARS-CoV-2, which is associated with an abundance of type I interferons. (4) Conclusions: Further studies are required in order to determine the best suitable vaccine type for individual groups of patients, including patients suffering from chronic inflammatory dermatoses.

COVID-19 vaccines: What dermatologists should know?

As COVID‐19 vaccination has started worldwide to control this pandemic, dermatologists may face various challenges with these new vaccines. In this manuscript, we review different types of available COVID‐19 vaccines and their various production platforms. Vaccination considerations in patients with skin diseases, especially those using immunomodulatory drugs will be presented. Finally, adverse cutaneous reactions of COVID‐19 vaccines will be reviewed.