Publication
Topical treatment habits in psoriasis patients receiving adalimumab
Journal Paper/Review - Mar 9, 2012
Kolios A G A, Rusca F, Reisenbauer K, Cozzio Antonio, French L E, Navarini A A
Units
PubMed
Doi
Citation
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Electronic
Pages
Brief description/objective
BACKGROUND
Biologics are used increasingly to treat moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Here the topical treatment habits (corticosteroids and vitamin D derivates) and moisturizer use of 97 Swiss patients (male 65, female 32) receiving adalimumab have been evaluated.
METHODS
Using a short cross-sectional survey the pharmacist asked patients during telephone contact about their topical treatment habits and psoriasis activity.
RESULTS
47 patients with adalimumab monotherapy were still free of psoriatic lesions after a longer follow-up of 13 months of therapy; 8 of them still used topical treatment. In contrast, 38 of 50 patients with remaining lesions used topicals. More than 75% of patients indicated that the perceived efficacy of additional topical therapy was ≥5 on a visual analog scale (0-10). The use of moisturizers did not correlate with disease activity.
CONCLUSION
Topical treatment use by adalimumab patients is associated with remaining disease activity. 83% of patients without residual plaques (40% of all adalimumab patients) are able to stop topical treatment completely.