Biologic anti-IL17 drugs in erythrodermic psoriasis

Background

Erythrodermic psoriasis (EP) is a potentially life-threatening disease, and there is currently no consensus regarding its optimal treatment. Biological drugs approved for Psoriasis Vulgaris treatment have been used as alternatives to traditional medications.

Objective

To evaluate the clinical response and tolerability of anti- interleukin 17 (IL17) biologic drugs during a 2-year-follow-up.

Methods

This was a retrospective prospective study. EP cases, defined as >75% body surface area involvement, in patients ≥18 years old treated with anti-IL17 for at least 6 consecutive months were enrolled and then followed until 104 weeks. Patient characteristics, overall clinical responses, Psoriasis Area Severity Index score changes, and adverse events were analyzed.

Results

Sixteen patients met the criteria, of which 50% had achieved the Psoriasis Area Severity Index 100 response at week 12 and in 93.7% at week 24. In the prospective observation of the cohort, 87.5% were still in remission at week 52 and 81.25% at 104 weeks, without adverse events. The 3 patients in whom the treatment was interrupted lost efficacy and were switched to other therapies.

Limitations

Only descriptive analysis was conducted due to the limited number of patients.

Conclusions

A satisfactory long-term clinical response without adverse effects was observed in this case series, suggesting the interest of anti-IL17 in EP treatment.