Nail psoriasis and biologics.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Since the advent of biologic therapies for psoriasis, reports of efficacy in nail psoriasis have appeared in the literature and at international conferences with increasing frequency.

OBJECTIVE:

This article aims to review the existing literature on the use of biologics in the treatment of nail psoriasis.

METHODS:

An extensive literature review was conducted using OVID Medline. Studies examining the efficacy of biologics in the treatment of nail psoriasis were documented.

RESULTS:

A literature review revealed few clinical trials specifically concentrating on nail psoriasis; however, nails have been assessed in larger clinical trials for cutaneous psoriasis. A large, multicenter, phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of infliximab administered as a brief induction regimen at weeks 0, 2, and 6 followed by a single infusion every 8 weeks revealed statistically significant mean percent improvement in the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) score over placebo at both week 10 (26.8% vs -7.7%, respectively; p < .001) and week 24 (57.2% vs -4.1%, respectively; p < .001). For other biologics, evidence has thus far been largely anecdotal, appearing as either case studies or extracted secondarily from open-label prospective trials in plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.

CONCLUSION:

Infliximab appears to be the most effective treatment for nail psoriasis to date.

• Authors: Kristin Noiles, Ronald Vender
• Journal: Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery (J Cutan Med Surg) 2009 Jan-Feb Vol. 13 Issue 1 Pg. 1-5 ISSN: 1203-4754 [Print] United States
• PMID: 19298765 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Immunoglobulin G
• Immunologic Factors
• Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
• Recombinant Fusion Proteins
• Infliximab
• Alefacept
• Etanercept
• efalizumab

Topics

• Alefacept
• Antibodies, Monoclonal (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Etanercept
• Humans
• Immunoglobulin G (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Immunologic Factors (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Infliximab
• Nail Diseases (drug therapy)
• Psoriasis (drug therapy)
• Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Recombinant Fusion Proteins (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)