Biologic treatment of recalcitrant pediatric psoriasis: a case series from a tertiary medical center

Abstract

Background: There is a paucity of data on the use of biologic therapy in recalcitrant pediatric psoriasis. The current study presents pediatric psoriasis cases treated with biologic agents in a tertiary referral center. Methods: In this retrospective case series, data were collected on all patients ≤18 years old with severe psoriasis treated with biological therapy from 2010 through 2016 in a tertiary children’s hospital. We included demographic data, previous systemic treatments, reason for discontinuation or switch to other systemic treatments, efficacy and side effects. Results: There were 10 patients, mean age 5.75 (±3.3) years treated with biologic agents in our center; Etanercept was the most frequent biological treatment prescribed (n = 9) followed by adalimumab (n = 5) ustekinumab (n = 3) and infliximab (n = 2). Additional systemic therapy was added to the biological therapy in seven cases: Methotreaxate (n = 5), phototherapy (n = 4), cyclosporine A and colchicine (1 case each). The most common reason for discontinuation was secondary failure (5 for etanercept, 3 for adalimumab). Six patients failed one biological treatment and three patients failed two biological treatments. Four patients are still being treated with a first line biologic (Etanercept in all). Adverse events were rare. Conclusion: Biologic therapy is effective and safe in recalcitrant pediatric psoriasis. Larger series are needed to confirm our observation.

Keywords

• pediatric psoriasis
• biological treatment
• systemic treatment
• adverse events