Higher number of biologics required for control of coexisting PsA and atopic dermatitis: Study

A recent study published in the Journal of Personalized Medicine observed new insights regarding the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and its potential association with atopic dermatitis (AD). The study illuminates the effectiveness of biologic therapy in patients with PsA who also suffer from AD by providing crucial information for clinicians and patients alike.

The study analyzed data from a total of 64 patients with PsA who were undergoing treatment with various biologic agents over a period of up to 10 years. Among the key findings was the revelation that atopic diseases, including AD that was prevalent in approximately one-third of the cases studied. The incidence of AD was higher when compared to other atopic conditions such as atopic rhinitis and allergic asthma. Also, this study identified specific patterns of AD among PsA patients including chronic prurigo, chronic lichen simplex and eczemas.

The study highlighted the late onset of skin atopy among PsA patients with concomitant AD that occurred in their adult life. This finding underlines the importance of monitoring and addressing atopic conditions in PsA patients when selecting the most suitable biologic therapy. This study investigated the impact of biologic treatments, including TNF inhibitors and IL-17 inhibitor secukinumab on atopy and PsA. This found that long-term treatment with TNF inhibitors did not alter the course of atopy. The study also revealed that AD associated with psoriatic lesions did not respond uniformly to different anti-TNF agents.

The findings have significant implications for the management of PsA which suggests that atopy should be considered when selecting biologic agents for treatment. With the emergence of newer therapeutic options such as Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKinibs) which have shown efficacy in treating atopic dermatitis and asthma, the area of PsA treatment is continuously evolving.

This research highlighted a high rate of non-responders to biologic therapy among PsA patients with atopy by illuminating the need for better strategies to achieve optimal disease control. Further investigation in larger patient cohorts is imperative to validate these findings and refine treatment strategies. By deepening the understanding of the complex interplay between PsA and atopic disorders, the future of treatment holds promise for improved outcomes and quality of life for patients.

Source:

Strugariu, G., Pomîrleanu, C., Russu, M., Popescu, A., Petrariu, L. A., Ancuta, E., Chirieac, R., Temelie-Olinici, D., & Ancuța, C. (2024). Long-Term Outcomes of Patients with Biologically Treated Psoriatic Arthritis and Atopic Dermatitis—A Single-Center Experience. In Journal of Personalized Medicine (Vol. 14, Issue 4, p. 427). MDPI AG. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14040427