Deutsche S3‐Leitlinie zur Therapie der Psoriasis vulgaris, adaptiert von EuroGuiDerm – Teil 1: Therapieziele und Therapieempfehlungen

[Treatment of psoriasis vulgaris : Therapy strategies for optimal patient-centered care]

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease that requires optimal long-term management due to its high prevalence in the population and the numerous comorbidities that severely impair quality of life. A variety of treatment options are now available. In addition to objective skin findings and a specific location such as nails or genital area, the presence of psoriatic arthritis and other comorbidities as well as the disease burden of the affected person play a decisive role in individualized treatment decision-making. Good communication with the patient is fundamental to understand the individual needs and expectations of the patient. Shared decision-making can positively influence adherence and thus also the clinical outcome and patient satisfaction. In addition, interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial and often necessary for a comprehensive therapy strategy.

The IMPACT of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Prescription Drug Use in Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris in Germany

INTRODUCTION

Real-world evidence (RWE) data is increasingly important to generate rapid insights to effectively manage patient populations. Disruptions like the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may negatively impact the choice of medications used for managing chronic diseases such as psoriasis (PSO). Here, we explored the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sales volumes of treatment guideline-based PSO medication in Germany.

METHODS

Patient-level pharmacy dispensing data from the Permea platform, covering approximately 44% of all community pharmacy dispensing in Germany, were analysed from 2019 through to 2021. Patient demographics and PSO indicated medication sales were assessed specifically before and during the pandemic in Germany.

RESULTS

We included 6,865,852 sold PSO related drugs from April 2019 to March 2021. Medication sales increased during the pandemic compared with before the pandemic for treatment classes of first-line biological and second-line drugs. The increase was observed across all age groups, but monthly variations could not be detected. Furthermore, we observed increased sales in first-line biological and second-line medications when comparing low to high COVID-19 incidence state.

CONCLUSION

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the PSO indicated medication sales increased for first-line biological and second-line treatment. This shows that despite the pandemic impact, there continues to be an increase in sales volume for biologics. Only German federal states with intermittently very high COVID-19 incidences show a stagnation in sales volume. The reasons for this need to be investigated in further studies to possibly gain a better understanding of the concerns and uncertainties of patients with PSO.

PsoBarrier EU study: a Multicentre, Cross-sectional Survey Investigating the Quality of Psoriasis Care in Four European Countries

Enhanced treatment options for psoriasis and growing use of guidelines increased the potential to better quality of psoriasis care in Europe. The aim of the PsoBarrier EU study is to compare the quality and processes of psoriasis care in four European countries with different healthcare systems, based on validated quality indicators. This cross-sectional survey was conducted in dermatology centres in Denmark, Germany, Poland and Spain on 1,304 patients, using standardized patient and physician questionnaires. Measured by quality of psoriasis care indicators, patients in Poland had the most critical outcomes, such as the highest disease severity (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index; PASI) and lowest health-related quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index; DLQI). This indicates differences in psoriasis care, with Polish participants experiencing more severe psoriasis and its consequences. Differences in the healthcare systems, which create barriers to accessing treatments, could explain variations in quality of care.

Phototherapy: Theory and practice

Despite the development of highly effective biologics for skin diseases such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, UVA and UVB therapy, alone or in combination, are still essential components of various guidelines. Phototherapy is not only a first-line treatment and highly effective for a number of skin diseases, but is also economical and has few side effects. The targeted use of UVA and UVB, if necessary, in combination with the photosensitizer psoralen in the context of PUVA therapy, enables the dermatologist to effectively treat a wide variety of skin diseases. Indications for phototherapy include epidermal diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and vitiligo, as well as photodermatoses, mycosis fungoides, graft-versus-host disease and deep dermal diseases such as scleroderma. This article reviews the physical principles, molecular mechanisms, current treatment regimens, and individual indications for phototherapy and photochemotherapy.

Phototherapie in Theorie und Praxis

Die Therapie oder Kombinationstherapie mit UV‐A‐ oder UV‐B‐Strahlen ist trotz der Entwicklung hochwirksamer Biologika bei Hauterkrankungen wie Psoriasis oder atopischer Dermatitis nach wie vor unverzichtbarer Bestandteil verschiedener Leitlinienempfehlungen. Die Phototherapie ist nicht nur eine sehr effektive Erstlinientherapie bei verschiedenen Hauterkrankungen, sondern auch kostengünstig und nebenwirkungsarm. Der gezielte Einsatz von UV‐A und UV‐B, gegebenenfalls auch in Kombination mit dem Photosensibilisator Psoralen im Rahmen einer PUVA‐Therapie, ermöglicht dem Dermatologen eine effektive Behandlung verschiedener Hautkrankheiten. Indikationen für die Phototherapie sind epidermale Erkrankungen wie die atopische Dermatitis, die Psoriasis und die Vitiligo, ferner Photodermatosen, die Mycosis fungoides, die Graft‐versus‐Host‐Erkrankung sowie tiefe dermale Erkrankungen wie die Sklerodermie. Dieser Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die physikalischen Grundlagen, die molekularen Mechanismen, die derzeitigen Behandlungsmethoden und die einzelnen Indikationen für die Phototherapie und die Photochemotherapie.

Psoriasis – Differentialdiagnosen und Therapie

Die Psoriasis vulgaris, syn. Schuppenflechte, stellt eine der häufigsten ambulanten als auch stationären Behandlungsdiagnosen der Dermatologie dar. Die klassischerweise durch erythematosquamöse Plaques gekennzeichnete Hauterkrankung ist mit einem chronisch schubweisen Verlauf, sowie verschiedenen Komorbiditäten assoziiert. Die Patienten leiden im Falle einer Plaque-Psoriasis an typischen rötlichen, scharf begrenzten Plaques mit einer festhaftenden, groblamellären und weißlich-silbrigen Schuppung, wobei dies je nach Subtyp variieren kann. Typische Komorbiditäten aufgrund einer systemischen Inflammation betreffen unter anderem das kardiovaskuläre System, als auch den Bewegungsapparat. Neuartige, systemische Therapien ermöglichen es mittlerweile auch schwer Betroffenen eine Therapie-Option anzubieten und die Lebensqualität um ein hohes Maß zu steigern.

A German Smartphone-Based Self-management Tool for Psoriasis: Community-Driven Development and Evaluation of Quality-of-Life Effects

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation, increased scaling, itching, and other symptoms. Psoriasis is not contagious, but patients have often felt shunned. Therefore, in addition to psoriasis symptoms, stress, anxiety, and depression can also affect quality of life (QoL). Surveys show that only a quarter of patients are satisfied with the success of their therapy. However, in addition to medical therapy, self-management can also make it easier to deal with chronic diseases like psoriasis.

Objective

The aim of this project was to develop a smartphone-based self-management tool (SMT) specifically for patients with psoriasis using a community-driven process. The impact of the SMT on QoL as well as its acceptance and usability were evaluated.

Methods

In collaboration with an internet-based self-help community, 2 user surveys were conducted to determine the requirements for a smartphone-based SMT. The surveys consisted of semistructured questionnaires asking for desired features in an SMT for psoriasis. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate QoL, acceptance, and usability. Community users were recruited to use the app for 21 days and complete the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire at the beginning (T₀) and end (T₁). Afterward, participants were asked to complete another questionnaire on usability and ease of use.

Results

SMT requirements were collected from 97 members of an internet-based community. The SMT was built as a progressive web app that communicates with a server back end and an Angular web app for content management. The app was used by 15 participants who also provided qualitative feedback, and 10 participants answered all questionnaires. The average DLQI score was 7.1 (SD 6.2) at T₀ and 6.9 (SD 6.6) at T₁. The minimal required sample size of 27 was not reached.

Conclusions

The high degree of community participation in the development process and the responses during the requirement engineering process indicated that there is a general need for an independently developed SMT for patients with psoriasis. However, the feedback received after app use shows that the SMT does not meet the needs of the community. It can be concluded that a more customizable app is needed. The focus and needs of the users were very heterogeneous. Similar developments and research could benefit from the findings of this project.

[Treatment of psoriasis with secukinumab : Practical guidance]

BACKGROUND

Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis can be treated effectively with immunomodulating biologicals such as the interleukin-17A inhibitor secukinumab. In practice, however, questions often arise as to how to proceed in special situations, such as infections, comorbidity, pregnancy, or surgery.

OBJECTIVES

To address frequent questions about the treatment of plaque psoriasis with secukinumab in a consensus document of German psoriasis experts that supplements current guidelines.

METHODS

In a virtual expert meeting in May 2020, practical aspects of the treatment of psoriasis were discussed based on the experience of the participants and on current literature. The results of this discussion were summarized in the present consensus document.

RESULTS

This article provides practical guidance on case history, documentation of previous therapies, severity of psoriasis, and comorbidities before starting therapy with secukinumab. For patients treated with secukinumab, the course of action in case of vaccinations, chronic or acute infections, surgical interventions, special manifestations of psoriasis, and comorbidities including history of cancer and autoimmune disorders is discussed. Questions regarding family planning and health policy regulations are also addressed.

DISCUSSION

The recommendations for the treatment of psoriasis with secukinumab summarized in this consensus document may contribute to achieve optimal therapy for patients and to improve their quality of life.