[Translated article] Immune-Mediated Skin Reactions to Tumor Necrosis α Inhibitors: A Review of 30 Cases

BACKGROUND

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) inhibitors are used to treat different inflammatory diseases. Although these biologics have an adequate safety profile, they have been associated with paradoxical reactions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective review of patients on TNF inhibitor therapy who developed a paradoxical skin reaction and were seen at the dermatology department of Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí in Sabadell, Spain.

RESULTS

We collected data on 30 patients under treatment with a TNF inhibitor who developed an immune-mediated skin reaction in the form of psoriasis (90%), alopecia (6.7%), or neutrophilic dermatitis (3.3%). The most common drugs involved were adalimumab (56.7%) and infliximab (40%). Psoriasiform reactions mostly manifested as generalized plaques (62.9%) or palmoplantar pustulosis (37%). Thirteen patients (43.3%) continued on the same TNF inhibitor and 12 of them (92.3%) achieved partial or complete resolution of lesions. Five patients were switched to a different TNF inhibitor, but none of them achieved complete resolution. Eight patients were switched to a biologic with a different target, and 5 of them (62.5%) achieved partial or complete resolution.

CONCLUSIONS

Paradoxical reactions during TNF inhibitor therapy do not always require a change of treatment. In our series, the addition of a topical and/or systemic treatment resolved the skin lesions in more than half of the patients, and switching to a drug with a different target was more effective. A change of strategy should be contemplated in more serious cases.

Immune-Mediated Skin Reactions to Tumor Necrosis α Inhibitors: A Review of 30 Cases

BACKGROUND

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) inhibitors are used to treat different inflammatory diseases. Although these biologics have an adequate safety profile, they have been associated with paradoxical reactions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective review of patients on TNF inhibitor therapy who developed a paradoxical skin reaction and were seen at the dermatology department of Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí in Sabadell, Spain.

RESULTS

We collected data on 30 patients under treatment with a TNF inhibitor who developed an immune-mediated skin reaction in the form of psoriasis (90%), alopecia (6.7%), or neutrophilic dermatitis (3.3%). The most common drugs involved were adalimumab (56.7%) and infliximab (40%). Psoriasiform reactions mostly manifested as generalized plaques (62.9%) or palmoplantar pustulosis (37%). Thirteen patients (43.3%) continued on the same TNF inhibitor and 12 of them (92.3%) achieved partial or complete resolution of lesions. Five patients were switched to a different TNF inhibitor, but none of them achieved complete resolution. Eight patients were switched to a biologic with a different target, and 5 of them (62.5%) achieved partial or complete resolution.

CONCLUSIONS

Paradoxical reactions during TNF inhibitor therapy do not always require a change of treatment. In our series, the addition of a topical and/or systemic treatment resolved the skin lesions in more than half of the patients, and switching to a drug with a different target was more effective. A change of strategy should be contemplated in more serious cases.

Initial results of ixekizumab efficacy and safety in real-world plaque psoriasis patients: a multicentre retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Ixekizumab (anti-IL17A) is effective as treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, but real-life data on effectiveness and safety are currently very limited.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ixekizumab in a cohort of real-life plaque psoriasis patients.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of 100 patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis treated with ixekizumab at seven Spanish dermatological centres.

RESULTS

According to the as observed analysis, the percentage of patients achieving a 75% and 90% of reduction from the baseline score of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was 87.5%-50.0% at week 12-16; 88.3%-58.4% at week 24 and 82.9%-58.5% at week 52, respectively. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) score of PASI at baseline was 12.9 ± 9.2, and it declined rapidly after ixekizumab administration to 1.9 ± 4.0 (P < 0.001) at week 12-16 and was maintained at 1.7 ± 4.1 and 1.8 ± 2.9 at week 24 and 52, respectively. Ixekizumab response was not affected by clinical variables like body mass index, disease duration or the presence of psoriatic arthritis. However, the bio-naive group showed significantly higher PASI 75 response rate at week 12-16 compared to patients previously exposed to biologic agents (P = 0.037). Twenty-six (26%) patients experienced adverse events (AEs) during the follow-up period, being most of them of mild-to-moderate intensity. The most common AE was local reaction at the site of injection (14/26; 53.8%). At the end of the observational period, 15 (15%) patients discontinued ixekizumab treatment due to limited clinical improvement (n = 11), adverse events (n = 3) or lost to follow-up (n = 1) within a mean ± SD time of 6.0 ± 3.9 months.

CONCLUSION

The present study illustrates the initial experience with ixekizumab in real-world clinical practice confirming its usefulness and safety in the management of plaque psoriasis patients.

The Spanish Psoriasis Patients' Association According to Its Members: Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study of Members' Opinions of the Association's Functions

INTRODUCTION

Patient associations form part of health care systems, but little is known about how their members' view the functionality of these associations and whether they endorse their goals and activities.

OBJECTIVE

To study how the members of the leading Spanish association of patients with psoriasis and their relatives view the group's functioning.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Survey study using a self-administered questionnaire answered by members of the association (total membership, 26 349 persons). The credibility of the association and respondents' confidence in and satisfaction with it were studied and compared with their attitudes toward other agents in the health care system. A Rasch model was used to analyze respondents' ranking of functions. Analysis of variance was used to study between-group differences.

RESULTS

A total of 746 members participated (response rate 2.83%). The association's credibility was rated in second place, after that of specialists who treat psoriasis. Support for the association functions was good (7.53 on a scale of 0 to 10). The function the members rated highest was the raising of societal awareness of psoriasis and its problems. Rated lowest were functions related to personal services for members. Educational level was the only participant factor associated with significant differences in evaluations (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The psoriasis association contributes by disseminating information about the disease and patient care, and it serves to represent patients. Health professionals and institutions should take the association into account in their efforts to deal with the disease and in designing effective policies.

Expert Recommendations on Treating Psoriasis in Special Circumstances (Part II)

BACKGROUND

There is insufficient information on how best to treat moderate to severe psoriasis in difficult clinical circumstances.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We considered 5 areas where there is conflicting or insufficient evidence: pediatric psoriasis, risk of infection in patients being treated with biologics, psoriasis in difficult locations, biologic drug survival, and impact of disease on quality of life. Following discussion of the issues by an expert panel of dermatologists specialized in the management of psoriasis, participants answered a questionnaire survey according to the Delphi method.

RESULTS

Consensus was reached on 66 (70.9%) of the 93 items analyzed; the experts agreed with 49 statements and disagreed with 17. It was agreed that body mass index, metabolic comorbidities, and quality of life should be monitored in children with psoriasis. The experts also agreed that the most appropriate systemic treatment for this age group was methotrexate, while the most appropriate biologic treatment was etanercept. Although it was recognized that the available evidence was inconsistent and difficult to extrapolate, the panel agreed that biologic drug survival could be increased by flexible, individualized dosing regimens, continuous treatment, and combination therapies. Finally, consensus was reached on using the Dermatology Quality of Life Index to assess treatment effectiveness and aid decision-making in clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

The structured opinion of experts guides decision-making regarding aspects of clinical practice for which there is incomplete or conflicting information.

Estimation of the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in Spain: The Latent study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy for moderate to severe psoriasis can increase the risk of active tuberculosis in patients who have latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of LTBI in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis being treated in dermatology clinics in Spain.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Non-interventional, cross-sectional, national epidemiological study conducted in Spain in 2011-2012. Patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis were included if they had undergone at least one tuberculin skin test (TST) and/or been evaluated with an interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (QuantiFERON(®) TB Gold In-Tube) in the 2 years preceding the study.

RESULTS

Data for 440 patients were valid for analysis. In total, 97.7% of the patients had undergone a TST, with a positive result in 23%. Of the 238 patients in whom the initial result was negative, 5% converted to positive on re-testing for a booster effect. IGRA results were available for 16.8%, 20.5% of them positive. Two of the patients with positive IGRA results had a negative TST. The prevalence of LTBI in the whole sample was 26.6%. The degree of concordance between the TST and the IGRA was moderate (κ=0.516; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of LTBI in this study was similar to previous estimates for Spain.

Guidelines for the use of acitretin in psoriasis. Psoriasis Group of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology

Phototherapy, classic systemic treatments (methotrexate, acitretin, and ciclosporin), and biologic agents (etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab, and ustekinumab) constitute a broad therapeutic arsenal that increases the likelihood of achieving control of severe and extensive disease in patients with psoriasis. Acitretin continues to be a very valuable tool in both monotherapy, in which it is combined with other systemic treatments (classic or biologic), and in sequential therapy. Thanks to its lack of a direct immunosuppressive effect and its ability to achieve a long-term response, acitretin has an important role in the treatment of psoriasis, although this has not always been acknowledged in relevant treatment guidelines. We present consensus guidelines for the use of acitretin in psoriasis drawn up by the Psoriasis Group of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. These guidelines provide a detailed account of acitretin, including pharmacological properties, indications and contraindications, adverse effects, and factors that should be taken into account to enhance the safe use of this drug. They also propose treatment strategies for use in routine clinical practice. The overall aim of these guidelines is to define the criteria for the use and management of acetretin in psoriasis.

Effect of narrowband ultraviolet B therapy on inflammatory markers and body fat composition in moderate to severe psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with psoriasis.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the anthropometric and metabolic profile of Spanish patients with moderate to severe psoriasis compared with controls without psoriasis matched for gender, age and body mass index (BMI), and to evaluate the impact of narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy on patient profiles.

METHODS

Baseline waist circumference, body fat composition, lipid, carbohydrate and calcium metabolism profile, inflammation markers, homocysteine, vitamins D, B(6) and B(12) and folic acid of 50 patients with psoriasis and 50 matched controls were recorded then evaluated after NB-UVB in patients with psoriasis and correlated with clinical outcome.

RESULTS

Despite very similar BMIs, 54% of patients met International Diabetes Foundation criteria for metabolic syndrome compared with 42% of controls (P = 0·01); body fat was 29·9% in patients and 28·0% in controls (P = 0·037), correlating with waist circumference; while patient atherogenic profiles were less favourable, with higher apolipoprotein B and low density lipoprotein cholesterol than controls, and both patients and controls showed insufficient vitamin D serum levels (< 20 ng mL(-1)). Mean improvement of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) after NB-UVB was 78·2%. Ferritin, B(12) and C-reactive protein decreased significantly after NB-UVB therapy. Vitamin D levels reached adequate levels after phototherapy; however, no relationship with PASI improvement was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

We characterized inflammatory and atherogenic profiles of Spanish patients with psoriasis compared with matched controls. After NB-UVB therapy we demonstrated improvement in psoriasis and some systemic inflammation markers, which were not mediated by enhancement of vitamin D synthesis.

[Portfolios: a tool for the training and assessment of residents in dermatology, part 2]

A portfolio is a collection of material documenting reflection about practice. It contains documents (eg, case histories and questionnaires the resident has used), images, and video recordings that reveal that an individual has acquired the competencies needed for professional practice. This assessment tool simultaneously supports learning and provides evidence for certifying competence. The adoption of portfolio use by a dermatology department requires the support of both the training supervisor and the chief of department. The learning objectives defined by the National Board for Medical-Surgical Dermatology and Venereology must be taken into consideration so that ways to assess each objective can be included; this approach supports holistic ongoing education as well as the certification of competencies the resident finally achieves. Use of portfolios in medical residency training can improve on current assessment methods, which we believe lack precision. We propose that portfolios gradually begin to replace the resident's training log. We are currently developing an online software application that will facilitate the use of portfolios.

[Treatment of acne in daily clinical practice: an opinion poll among Spanish dermatologists]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

the aim of this study was to determine the approaches used to treat acne in clinical practice by Spanish dermatologists. A secondary objective of the study was to compare the practices of Spanish dermatologists with the Acne Global Alliance treatment algorithm and develop a Spanish treatment algorithm for acne.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

a multicenter, cross-sectional survey was undertaken among 872 Spanish dermatologists. The study comprised 4 randomly distributed questionnaires. The first 3 contained the following case descriptions: severe acne associated with masculinization (case 1), mild comedonal acne (case 2), and moderate papulopustular acne (case 3). The fourth questionnaire contained 5 photographs of different types of acne and an algorithm containing various treatment options, from which dermatologists were asked to choose the most appropriate.

RESULTS

for case 1, 55% of dermatologists chose oral antiandrogens/contraceptive drugs plus topical retinoids or topical benzoyl peroxide/antibiotics. In case 2, 62% chose topical retinoids and, in case 3, 68% chose systemic antibiotics plus benzoyl peroxide. Combination therapy was considered the treatment of choice in all types of acne, with topical retinoids as the initial treatment option for mild and moderate forms and the preferred option for maintenance therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

in general, Spanish dermatologists treat acne in accordance with the Acne Global Alliance treatment algorithm. The varying opinions reported in response to open questions, however, confirm the need to unify criteria for the treatment of acne.

[Portfolios: a tool for the training and assessment of residents in dermatology, part 1]

The medical resident's portfolio is a collection of materials that show reflective learning in the context of clinical practice. A portfolio contains documents (such as case histories and questionnaires the resident has used), images, and video recordings that reveal that an individual has acquired the competencies needed for professional practice. A portfolio is an assessment tool that simultaneously supports learning and gives evidence for certifying competence. It encourages independent continuing professional development that is incremental and centered on answering questions about what one has learned, how it might be applied, what still needs to be learned, and what must be done to reach one's goal. Answering such questions provides evidence of competencies that have been acquired and what is still lacking, allowing the trainee to develop a plan for personal improvement and evaluate subsequent achievements. The first step in creating a portfolio is to list required skills and abilities, along with the actions that will allow the resident to acquire them during each year of residency training. The ultimate goal is to define the resident's professional competence. We describe a model on which to base a training and assessment portfolio for residents in dermatology.

[Treatment of scalp psoriasis: review of the evidence and Delphi consensus of the Psoriasis Group of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology]

Scalp lesions are common in psoriasis and difficult to treat. Scientific evidence on the topic is scant and fragmentary, especially with respect to long-term treatment. This consensus statement is based on a critical assessment of the results of a MEDLINE search for clinical trials of the efficacy and safety of therapies used to treat scalp psoriasis. The recommendations were developed by an expert panel using the Delphi process to reach a consensus and then ratified by the members of the Psoriasis Group of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. The recommended induction therapy for scalp psoriasis is either a topical corticosteroid or a topical treatment combining calcipotriol and betamethasone. The choice of an appropriate vehicle is crucial in improving effectiveness and patient adherence to treatment. The only formulations that have been studied in the long-term treatment of scalp psoriasis are a combination of calcipotriol and betamethasone in gel and calcipotriol alone in solution.

[Pseudofolliculitis barbae]

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a chronic, irritating, and potentially disfiguring condition that develops as a result of attempts to eliminate hair from the beard area, usually by shaving. It is difficult to determine the incidence of the disorder, but some studies report that it affects up to 1 of every 5 caucasian individuals and that it is much more common in black persons. Clinically it is characterized by the appearance of inflammatory papules and pustules. Once pseudofolliculitis has become established, treatment consists of avoiding shaving and the use of medical treatment similar to that used in acne. However, the long-term result is much more dependent on prevention through a correct shaving technique. In severe cases or when a definitive solution is sought, the treatment of choice is photodepilation.

[Adverse reactions during biological therapy for psoriasis: results of a survey of the Spanish Psoriasis Group]

BACKGROUND

Biologic therapies have been a major breakthrough in the treatment of psoriasis because they are more selective and have a better short-term and medium-term safety profile. There are reliable data to support both the efficacy and the safety of these drugs. However, it is always useful to report the clinical experience of dermatologists who are experts in the use of biologic agents to treat psoriasis, particularly with regard to their safety.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We present the results of a survey administered to the members of Spanish Psoriasis Group and based on a series of questions referring to the clinical safety of these agents. A total of 988 patients treated with efalizumab, infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab were reported by 15 members of the group.

RESULTS

There was a particularly high proportion of reactions (34%) to infliximab infusions. Blood test abnormalities were detected in 13.25% of patients and infections in 12.24%, with one case of pulmonary tuberculosis. Attention is drawn to the adverse effects profile of efalizumab: de novo arthritis in 5.8% and rebound in 20.9% of patients.

CONCLUSION

The safety data provided by our study should be taken into account in view of the large number of patients recruited by dermatologists experienced in the use of this type of therapy.

[Psoriasis and HIV infection]

Dermatologists face diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties when psoriasis coexists with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This article will review some of the aspects of this coexistence from the epidemiologic, pathogenic, histopathologic, clinical, and prognostic point of view. The main skin diseases that should be included in the differential diagnosis are described. Also analyzed are the different therapeutic options in these patients according to the degree of immunodeficiency. Possibilities include antiretroviral treatment, topical treatment, retinoids, and classic immunosuppressants. The review will also cover current literature on the use of new biologic therapies in patients with HIV infection. Finally, we will discuss the risk of drug interactions during psoriasis treatment in these patients, who receive multiple pharmacologic therapies.

Patterns of Guillain-Barre syndrome in children: results from a Mexican population

BACKGROUND

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute, immune-mediated flaccid paralysis frequently associated with Campylobacter infection. Of two predominant GBS subtypes, a demyelinating subtype (acute inflammatory demyelinative polyneuropathy [AIDP]) predominates in the United States and Europe, and axonal subtype (acute motor axonal neuropathy [AMAN]) is the predominant form in China. Previous clinical studies suggested that AMAN also occurs in Mexican children. The purpose of this study was to describe the subtypes of GBS in children from Mexico City.

METHODS

We prospectively studied 121 children admitted to two pediatric hospitals in Mexico City from 1996 to 2002. Clinical histories were obtained, electrophysiologic studies were performed to determine GBS subtype, and microbiologic studies were performed.

RESULTS

Of the 121 children, 46 had AMAN and 32 had AIDP. The male to female ratio was 1.3 for AMAN cases (mean age = 6.3) and 3.0 for AIDP cases (mean age = 7.0). There was a strong seasonal distribution of AMAN cases in July to September. Children with AMAN, but not AIDP, had worsening of illness during hospitalization as judged by peak severity scores. Vomiting was more likely in AIDP (28.1%) vs AMAN (6.5%) (p = 0.012) and diarrhea was more common in AMAN (32.6%) than AIDP (12.5%) (p = 0.06). IgG anti-GM1 antibody titers were higher in patients with AMAN vs AIDP (p = 0.067). Anti-GD1a antibodies were equally present in both groups. Anti GQ1b titers were higher in AMAN vs AIDP (p = 0.009). Campylobacter antibody responses were positive in 44.1% of patients with AMAN and 37.0% of patients with AIDP. Twenty patients (14 = AMAN, 6 = AIDP) had positive stool cultures for C jejuni. Two serotypes, HS:19 and HS:41, accounted for 6 of 10 Campylobacter isolates available for serotyping from these cases.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms that acute motor axonal neuropathy is an important Guillain-Barré syndrome subtype in Mexican children, is associated with diarrhea, and occurs seasonally.

Effect of smoking on skin elastic fibres: morphometric and immunohistochemical analysis

BACKGROUND

It has been established during recent years that smoking is an independent risk factor for the development of premature facial wrinkling. The underlying mechanism is not well known, but elastic fibres of the dermis seem to be the major target of smoke components.

OBJECTIVES

To determine quantitative and qualitative changes of the dermal elastic tissue of non-sun-exposed skin induced by smoking, as well as the possible mechanisms responsible for them.

METHODS

Sixty-nine patients were recruited (20 nonsmokers, 19 former smokers and 30 smokers). Using static morphometry and immunohistochemistry and lectin staining we analysed elastic fibres of the dermis and their major components, elastin and microfibrillar component.

RESULTS

Significantly higher values for the number of elastic fibres mm(-2) and the percentage of the area filled by them in the reticular dermis were found in smokers. Cumulative tobacco dose showed statistically significant correlations with both morphological parameters (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the two main components of elastic fibres were altered in smokers. Plasma protease inhibitors and lectin staining were negative in all the samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking is an independent risk factor for the increase of elastic fibres in the reticular dermis of nonexposed skin, and it acts on their two main structural components, elastin and microfibrillar component. This increase in the area of elastic fibres in smokers is not due to newly synthesized elastic material, but to their degradation, as occurs in solar elastosis and which acts in an additive manner.