Psoriasis as a Systemic Disease: Evidence and Management

According to a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, there is a necessity to optimize outcomes for patient with psoriasis through new treatment paradigms that can reduce systemic inflammation.

Researchers explored the pathophysiologic relationship between psoriasis and its common comorbidities, and discussed the need for new treatment paradigms that include strategies to reduce systemic inflammation in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Their narrative review summarized the published evidence on the ability of biologic therapies to ameliorate the consequences of systemic inflammation in patients with psoriasis.

The results indicated that preventing damage associated with inflammation and the development of future inflammatory damage and comorbidities may be achievable treatment goals for many patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis when biologic therapies are utilized early in the disease. Encouraging data from recent studies suggest that the more ambitious goal of reversing existing inflammatory damage and improving signs and symptoms of inflammatory comorbidities could also be attainable.

The researchers concluded that results from ongoing prospective studies on the effects of biologics on markers of systemic inflammation in patients with psoriasis will strengthen the clinical evidence base used to inform treatment decisions for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Reference
Korman NJ. Management of psoriasis as a systemic disease: what is the evidence? Br J Dermatol. 2020;182(4):840-848. doi:10.1111/bjd.18245