Publication

Topical treatment habits in psoriasis patients receiving adalimumab

Journal Paper/Review - Mar 9, 2012

Units
PubMed
Doi

Citation
Kolios A, Rusca F, Reisenbauer K, Cozzio A, French L, Navarini A. Topical treatment habits in psoriasis patients receiving adalimumab. Dermatology (Basel) 2012; 224:228-30.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (English)
Journal
Dermatology (Basel) 2012; 224
Publication Date
Mar 9, 2012
Issn Electronic
1421-9832
Pages
228-30
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.