MedWorm: Psoriasis

Psychopathology heightened in psoriasis compared with atopic dermatitis

MedWire News - Dermatology — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:03:58 +0100

Patients with psoriasis appear to have a worse psychosocial reaction to their condition than patients with atopic dermatitis, say researchers who suggest this may be due to a direct central nervous system affect, aside from the impact of increased stigma. (Source: MedWire News - Dermatology)

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Psychopathology heightened in psoriasis compared with atopic dermatitis

MedWire News - Psoriasis — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:03:58 +0100

What Is Discoid Eczema (Nummular Dermatitis)? What Causes Discoid Eczema?

Dermatology News From Medical News Today — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Discoid eczema, also known as discoid dermatitis, gravitational eczema, nummular dermatitis, and nummular eczema is a form of dermatitis. It is a chronic (long-term) or recurrent condition. A rash appears on the skin in the form of red coin shaped discs - plaques of eczema - which can affect different parts of the body, but primarily the lower legs, hands and forearms, and sometimes the trunk... (Source: Dermatology News From Medical News Today)

Neutrophil-dominant psoriasis-like skin inflammation induced by epidermal-specific expression of Raf in mice

Journal of Dermatological Science — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:28:20 +0100

Conclusion: Activation of the Raf signaling pathway is involved in the epidermal hyperplasia and the neutrophil-dominant cutaneous inflammatory reactions which are characteristics of psoriasis. (Source: Journal of Dermatological Science)

Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy influences serum folate levels in patients with vitiligo

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:28:14 +0100

To the Editor: We read with interest the article by Rose et al in the August 2009 issue of the Journal. Ultraviolet B light phototherapy (UVB) is generally considered the safest form of systemic psoriasis therapy in pregnancy. We commend the authors for creating a study to examine the photodegradation of serum folate after exposure to narrowband UVB (nbUVB), given that folate deficiency in the first trimester of pregnancy could predispose to the development of neural tube defects. (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)

Acquired combined nutritional deficiency presenting as psoriasiform dermatitis

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:28:14 +0100

To the Editor: Nutritional deficiency, a prevalent problem worldwide, remains rare in developed countries. In the United States, acquired nutritional deficiencies have been reported in patients with anorexia nervosa, malabsorption syndromes, those on long-term parenteral nutrition, and patients with food allergies. Given the significant morbidity and sometimes mortality associated with certain nutritional deficiencies, their prompt recognition, diagnosis, and treatment by clinicians is of great importance. Many nutritional deficiencies have classic cutaneous presentations that are valuable clinical diagnostic tools. However, combined nutritional deficiencies often put forth a mixed clinical picture easily mistaken for another condition. There is a paucity of reports of cutaneous presentati...

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Concern regarding the safety of tumor necrosis factor-alfa antagonists in pregnancy

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:28:13 +0100

To the Editor: Choosing appropriate, safe treatment for pregnant patients with psoriasis can be challenging. Although tumor necrosis factor–alfa (TNFα) antagonists are considered category B drugs according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Carter et al reported a disturbing association of infliximab and etanercept with congenital anomalies associated with the vertebral, anal, cardiovascular, tracheoesophageal, renal, limb (VACTERL) syndrome. In their review of more than 120000 adverse events of patients on TNFα antagonist therapy, they found 61 congenital anomalies occurring at higher than expected frequencies. No reports of congenital anomalies were reported in patients taking adalimumab; however, the database included entries only through 2005, which was relatively soon a...

ACCORD on Lipids, Blood Pressure in Diabetics, Mitral-clip May Rival Surgery, CV Risk in Prediabetics, Psoriasis and CV Disease

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:30:15 +0100

Join Dr. Melissa Walton-Shirley for a review of the latest cardiology trials from ACC 2010: ACCORD, EVEREST II, NAVIGATOR, and more. Medscape Cardiology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Statins Added to Standard Psoriasis Therapy May Improve Disease Severity

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:56:52 +0100

Statin users with psoriasis showed a 64% reduction in psoriasis severity, whereas nonusers showed a 45% reduction in severity after the initiation of a new psoriasis medication. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Psoriasis Tied to Raised Heart Risk

MedicineNet Cholesterol General — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Psoriasis Tied to Raised Heart RiskCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/13/2010 2:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 3/15/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Cholesterol General)

Psoriasis Tied to Raised Heart Risk

MedicineNet Heart General — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Psoriasis Tied to Raised Heart RiskCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/13/2010 2:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 3/15/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Heart General)

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Psoriasis Tied to Raised Heart Risk

MedicineNet Skin General — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Psoriasis Tied to Raised Heart RiskCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/13/2010 2:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 3/15/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Skin General)

Psoriasis Tied to Raised Heart Risk

MedicineNet Senior Health General — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Psoriasis Tied to Raised Heart RiskCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/13/2010 2:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 3/15/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Senior Health General)

Psoriasis Linked to Heart Disease, Cancer

WebMD Health — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

People who suffer from psoriasis may be at an increased risk of other serious medical conditions, including heart disease and cancer, studies show. (Source: WebMD Health)

Comparative study of human papilloma virus in untreated and ultraviolet-treated psoriatic patients

Photodermatology, Photoimmunology and Photomedicine — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Psoriasis is a proliferative disease, and human papilloma virus (HPV) may be one of the causative factors underlying its pathogenesis. To study whether the presence of the virus in psoriatic patients is due to the proliferative nature of the disease or due to the immunosuppression induced in patients receiving phototherapy. Using a nested polymerase chain reaction, a skin biopsy was taken and examined for HPV expression in 20 untreated psoriatic patients, 20 psoriasis patients under phototherapy [narrow band ultraviolet B (UVB)], 20 psoriasis patients under systemic photochemotherapy (psoralen and UVA), 10 healthy controls, and 10 non-psoriatic patients under UV treatment. The virus detection rate in psoriatic patients under photochemotherapy (60%) was significantly higher (P (Source: Phot...

[Review] Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and other disorders caused by JC virus: clinical features and pathogenesis

Lancet Neurology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare but often fatal brain disease caused by reactivation of the polyomavirus JC. Knowledge of the characteristics of PML has substantially expanded since the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy during the HIV epidemic and the development of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in patients with PML. Recently, the monoclonal antibodies natalizumab, efalizumab, and rituximab—used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, haematological malignancies, Crohn's disease, and rheumatic diseases—have been associated with PML. Additionally, the JC virus can also lead to novel neurological disorders such as JC virus granule cell neuronopathy and JC virus encephalopathy, and might also cause meningitis. Th...

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Relative Over-Reactivity of Human versus Chimpanzee Lymphocytes: Implications for the Human Diseases Associated with Immune Activation.

Journal of Immunology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we show that human T cells are more reactive than chimpanzee T cells to a wide variety of stimuli, including anti-TCR Abs of multiple isotypes, l-phytohemagglutin, Staphylococcus aureus superantigen, a superagonist anti-CD28 Ab, and in MLRs. We also extend this observation to B cells, again showing a human propensity to react more strongly to stimuli. Finally, we show a relative increase in activation markers and cytokine production in human lymphocytes in response to uridine-rich (viral-like) ssRNA. Thus, humans manifest a generalized lymphocyte over-reactivity relative to chimpanzees, a finding that is correlated with decreased levels of inhibitory sialic acid-recognizing Ig-superfamily lectins (Siglecs; particularly Siglec-5) on human T and B cells. Furthermore, Siglec-5 ...

Psoriasis "Firmly Established" as Risk Factor for CV Disease

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:16:54 +0100

Psoriasis patients should be considered at increased cardiovascular risk and prioritized for earlier medical risk-factor intervention for heart disease, the authors of a new study say. Heartwire (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

Psoriasis "firmly established" as risk factor for CV disease

theHeart.org — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:15:33 +0100

Psoriasis patients should be considered at increased cardiovascular risk and prioritized for earlier medical risk-factor intervention for heart disease, the authors of a new study say. For complete story visit theheart.org. (Source: theHeart.org)

Psoriasis Tied to Raised Heart Risk

MedlinePlus Health News — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Skin ailment boosts odds for heart attack, stroke, and inflammation may be key, researchers say Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Heart Diseases, Psoriasis, Stroke (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

AAD: Restarting Anti-TNF Agent Works in Relapsed Psoriasis (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Dermatology — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:51:40 +0100

MIAMI BEACH (MedPage Today) -- A majority of patients with relapsed psoriasis regained control of the disease when retreated with the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor adalimumab (Humira), results of a small clinical study showed. (Source: MedPage Today Dermatology)

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AAD: Psoriasis Increases Pregnancy Risks (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Dermatology — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:43:02 +0100

MIAMI BEACH (MedPage Today) -- Pregnant women with psoriasis had a significantly increased risk of poor outcomes, including spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, preeclampsia, placenta previa, and ectopic pregnancy, data from a retrospective chart review showed. (Source: MedPage Today Dermatology)

Drug-drug interactions common with methotrexate or cyclosporine for psoriasis

MedWire News - Dermatology — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Researchers warn of the potential risk for drug-drug interactions in patients prescribed methotrexate or cyclosporine for psoriasis, and the substantial impact of these interactions on healthcare resources. (Source: MedWire News - Dermatology)

Children With Psoriasis at Risk of Developing Psychiatric Disorders

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:29:18 +0100

Children with psoriasis had a 25% higher risk of developing any psychiatric disorder, a 23% higher risk of developing depression, and a 62% higher risk of using tricyclic antidepressants. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Psoriasis Is Associated With an Increased Risk of Cancer

Medscape Hematology-Oncology Headlines — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:31:27 +0100

Psoriasis is associated with a significantly greater risk of malignancy, including skin and prostate cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, according to new research presented here at the 68th annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD 2010). Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Hematology-Oncology Headlines)

Diet in dermatology: Revisited

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:10:55 +0100

Kaimal Sowmya, Thappa Devinder MohanIndian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2010 76(2):103-115Diet has an important role to play in many skin disorders, and dermatologists are frequently faced with the difficulty of separating myth from fact when it comes to dietary advice for their patients. Patients in India are often anxious about what foods to consume, and what to avoid, in the hope that, no matter how impractical or difficult this may be, following this dictum will cure their disease. There are certain disorders where one or more components in food are central to the pathogenesis, e.g. dermatitis herpetiformis, wherein dietary restrictions constitute the cornerstone of treatment. A brief list, although not comprehensive, of other disorders where diet may have a role ...

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Dermatoglyphic patterns in psoriasis, vitiligo and alopecia areata

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:10:55 +0100

Kumar Pramod, Gupta AtulaIndian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2010 76(2):185-186 (Source: Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology)

Control of cutaneous antimicrobial peptides by vitamin D3

Archives of Dermatological Research — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:40:07 +0100

Abstract Constant exposure to a wide variety of microbial pathogens represents a major challenge for our skin. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are mediators of cutaneous innate immunity and protect primarily against microbial infections. Cathelicidins were among the first AMPs identified in human skin and recent evidence suggests that they exert a dual role in innate immune defense: At first, due to their antimicrobial activity they kill pathogens directly. In addition, these peptides initiate a potent host response to infection resulting in cytokine release, inflammation and a cellular response. Disturbed cathelicidin expression and function was observed in several common inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis where cathelicidin peptide converts inert self-DNA and se...

Ustekinumab Improves Sexual Dysfunction in Patients With Psoriasis

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:28:06 +0100

Quality of life is improved with the interleukin-12 inhibitor ustekinumab, including an improvement in sexual dysfunction, even in women. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Cardiovascular Risk Factors Are Under-Diagnosed and Under-Treated in Psoriasis Patients

Medscape Dermatology Headlines — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:56:04 +0100

Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis have high rates of undiagnosed cardiovascular risk factors, according to a poster presentation this week at the 68th annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Dermatology Headlines)

Gluten-free not necessarily grain-free

Health News - UPI.com — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:06:27 +0100

DALLAS, March 10 (UPI) -- Relatively few grains have the protein indigestible to those with celiac disease and psoriasis and some grains are safe for them to eat, a U.S. researcher says. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

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Key questions on psoriasis

Pulse Today Clinical Updates — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Dermatology GPSI Dr Stephen Hayes answers GP Dr Sabby Kant’s questions on oral treatments, flare-ups and increased CVD risk (Source: Pulse Today Clinical Updates)

Imiquimod use in the genital area and development of lichen sclerosus and lichen planus

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100

We report two cases here where imiquimod induced florid lichen sclerosus in one patient and lichen planus in another. In both patients the condition was so aggressive and unresponsive to steroid treatment that circumcision was necessary. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS)

Infliximab Reduces Psoriasis Activity in Etanercept-Resistant Patients

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:53:31 +0100

Infliximab is effective, safe, and reasonably well tolerated in patients with plaque psoriasis who previously had a poor response to etanercept, according to results from the new PSUNRISE study. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

AAD: When First Anti-TNF Fails Try a Second One (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Dermatology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:55:27 +0100

MIAMI BEACH (MedPage Today) -- Half of patients with psoriasis unresponsive to high-dose etanercept (Enbrel) achieved significant improvement with ustekinumab (Stelara), investigators in a randomized clinical trial reported here. (Source: MedPage Today Dermatology)

AAD: Sequenced TNF Blockers Control Psoriasis (CME/CE, with video)

MedPage Today Dermatology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:00:59 +0100

MIAMI BEACH (MedPage Today) -- Two-thirds of psoriasis patients who had inadequate responses to etanercept (Enbrel) achieved total clearance or minimal disease activity with infliximab (Remicade), according to data reported here. (Source: MedPage Today Dermatology)

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AAD: Psoriasis Comorbidity Increases over Time (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Dermatology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:43:02 +0100

MIAMI BEACH (MedPage Today) -- Patients with psoriasis have multiple comorbid conditions that tend to worsen over time, data from a review of medical records showed. (Source: MedPage Today Dermatology)

Treating Psoriasis If Enbrel Fails

MedicineNet Chronic Pain General — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Treating Psoriasis If Enbrel FailsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/9/2010 10:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 3/9/2010 10:10:12 AM (Source: MedicineNet Chronic Pain General)

Treating Psoriasis If Enbrel Fails

MedicineNet Skin General — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Treating Psoriasis If Enbrel FailsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/9/2010 10:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 3/9/2010 10:10:12 AM (Source: MedicineNet Skin General)

Treating Psoriasis If Enbrel Fails

MedicineNet Senior Health General — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Treating Psoriasis If Enbrel FailsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/9/2010 10:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 3/9/2010 10:10:12 AM (Source: MedicineNet Senior Health General)

Treating Psoriasis If Enbrel Fails

eMedicineHealth.com — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

(Source: eMedicineHealth.com)

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Treating Psoriasis If Enbrel Fails

MedicineNet Arthritis General — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Treating Psoriasis If Enbrel FailsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/9/2010 10:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 3/9/2010 10:10:12 AM (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)

Treating Psoriasis If Enbrel Fails

WebMD Health — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:47:57 +0100

If the drug Enbrel stops working, people with psoriasis have two effective options, new research suggests. (Source: WebMD Health)

Cholesterol Drugs May Treat Psoriasis

WebMD Health — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

A study shows cholesterol-lowering statins may help treat psoriasis. (Source: WebMD Health)

Treating Psoriasis When Enbrel Fails

WebMD Health — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

When the drug Enbrel stops working, people with psoriasis have two effective options, new research suggests. (Source: WebMD Health)

Extraocular manifestations of birdshot chorioretinopathy in 118 French patients.

Presse Medicale — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: No predominant extraocular manifestation of BCR was identified in our patients. Their ongoing follow-up may yet discern whether BCR is definitively eye-restricted. PMID: 20219319 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Presse Medicale)

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Ruth Watson: 'My face is the only place I don't have psoriasis'

the Mail online | Health — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:05:54 +0100

The Country House Rescue presenter is one of the 1.2million people in Britain who suffer from psoriasis, a chronic skin ailment for which there is no cure. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Psoriasis Is More Than Skin Deep

MedlinePlus Health News — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:07:04 +0100

Source: American Academy of Dermatology Related MedlinePlus Page: Psoriasis (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Antibodies to adalimumab affect treatment response in psoriasis patients

MedWire News - Psoriasis — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:03:41 +0100

Some patients who take adalimumab for the treatment of plaque psoriasis develop antibodies to the drug, which could impair their responses to the treatment, researchers report. (Source: MedWire News - Psoriasis)

Antibodies to adalimumab affect treatment response in psoriasis patients

MedWire News - Dermatology — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:03:40 +0100

Psoriasis is more than skin deep

ScienceDaily Headlines — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

For the approximately 7.5 million Americans affected by psoriasis, the thick, red, scaly, itchy plaques it causes only scratch the surface when it comes to the overall implications of this disease. Now, ongoing research linking psoriasis to other serious medical conditions and the incredible toll it can take on a person's overall quality of life are shifting the way psoriasis is viewed -- from a common skin disease to a complex systemic condition. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

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Association between the -1438A/G polymorphism of the serotonin 2A receptor gene and late-onset psoriasis in a Thai population.

Genetics and Molecular Research — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 01:08:03 +0100

Authors: Ronpirin C, Tencomnao T, Wongpiyabovorn J Expression of serotonin 2A receptor (5-HTR2A) is known to increase in psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. We investigated a possible association between the -1438A/G single nucleotide polymorphism (rs6311) in the promoter region of 5-HTR2A gene and psoriasis in a Thai population. One hundred and twelve psoriatic patients and 151 unrelated healthy controls were included in our study. Genotyping was performed using the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques. We found no overall differences in genotype distributions and allele frequencies when comparing between the two groups. When we analyzed a subset of psoriatic patients classified by onset and severity, only the -1438A allele was ...

Ustekinumab induces rapid clearing of erythrodermic psoriasis after failure of antitumour necrosis factor therapies

British Journal of Dermatology — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Dermatology)

Ustekinumab induces rapid clearing of erythrodermic psoriasis after failure of antitumour necrosis factor therapies.

The British Journal of Dermatology — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Santos-Juanes J, Coto-Segura P, Mas-Vidal A, Galache Osuna C PMID: 20222926 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The British Journal of Dermatology)

Levia(R) Brings Personal Targeted Phototherapy Home as a Treatment Option for Millions of Psoriasis Patients

HSMN NewsFeed — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:50:44 +0100

LOS ANGELES, CA - (HSMN NewsFeed) - Lerner Medical Devices, Inc. (LMD) today introduced Levia, an innovative medical device providing Personal Targeted Phototherapy with Ultraviolet B (UVB) light -- a safe and effective non-drug option for the self-treatm... Devices, DermatologyLerner Medical Devices, Levia , phototherapy, psoriasis (Source: HSMN NewsFeed)

Psoriasis Is More Than Skin Deep

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

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Psoriasis Is More Than Skin Deep

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

For the approximately 7.5 million Americans affected by psoriasis, the thick, red, scaly, itchy plaques it causes only scratch the surface when it comes to the overall implications of this disease. Now, ongoing research linking psoriasis to other serious medical conditions and the incredible toll it can take on a person's overall quality of life are shifting the way psoriasis is viewed from a common skin disease to a complex systemic condition... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

AAD: Presentation Focuses on Psoriasis as a Serious Disease

Modern Medicine — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Psoriasis needs to be considered a complex, serious, and systemic condition that significantly affects quality of life, according to a presentation this week at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, held from March 5 to 9 in Miami Beach, Fla. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and related cytokines differentially expressed in plaque versus guttate psoriasis vulgaris.

The British Journal of Dermatology — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Differential expression and regulatory functioning for inflammatory cytokines production by Foxp3+Tregs may implicate different immunopathogenesis of plaque and guttate psoriasis. PMID: 20222932 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The British Journal of Dermatology)

STELARA™ and REMICADE® Data in Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis to be Presented at American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Meeting(Mar 4, 2010)

Johnson and Johnson — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:05:28 +0100

Miami, FL (March 4, 2010)-- Data evaluating the efficacy and safety of STELARA™ (ustekinumab) and REMICADE® (infliximab) in patients with plaque psoriasis who had an inadequate response to Enbrel® (etanercept) will be presented at the 68th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) in Miami, Fla., from March 5-9, 2010. Cumulative safety data for STELARA™ (up to 18 months) based on pooled analyses of one Phase 2 and two Phase 3 clinical trials will also be presented..... (Source: Johnson and Johnson)

Stelara and Remicade Data in Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis to be Presented at American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Meeting

Drugs.com - Clinical Trials — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:11:35 +0100

MIAMI, March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Data evaluating the efficacy and safety of STELARA(TM) (ustekinumab) and REMICADE® (infliximab) in patients with plaque psoriasis who had an inadequate response to Enbrel® (etanercept) will be presented at the... (Source: Drugs.com - Clinical Trials)

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Psoriasis: an epidemiological evaluation of disease burden in 590 patients

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, 36.8% of patients with severe psoriasis reported a negative impact on their professional life vs. 19.6% for patients with mild psoriasis (P = 0.002). Time devoted to phototherapy was on average 33 h/year/patient and the application of emollients took 25 h/year/patient; 47.3% of patients had a feeling to clean the house more often, in correlation with the severity of the disease. Mean out-of-pocket expenses for the disease was estimated to be 543[euro]/year/patient. High impact of psoriasis on quality of life (DLQI >10), age (Source: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology)

Dead Sea Resorts Offer New Treatments For People With Dermatological Diseases

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The Dead Sea is the only place in the world that combines year-round hot weather, an oxygen-enriched atmosphere, therapeutic UVB solar radiation, a mineral-rich salt sea, world famous mineral-rich mud, thermo-mineral hot springs and luxurious spas. Research has shown that the combined climatic factors have a long-lasting therapeutic effect on dermatological diseases such as psoriasis and eczema, as well as on rheumatic or degenerative joint diseases. Dead Sea resorts are now introducing their world-renowned treatment for people with dermatological diseases... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

IL-33 augments substance P-induced VEGF secretion from human mast cells and is increased in psoriatic skin [Pharmacology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:42:16 +0100

The peptide substance P (SP) has been implicated in inflammatory conditions, such as psoriasis, where mast cells and VEGF are... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

Ask the doctor: My nails keep falling off - what can I do?

the Mail online | Health — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:25:52 +0100

Dr Martin Scurr has been treating patients for more than 30 years and is one of the country's leading GPs. Here he tackles nail psoriasis and difficulty swallowing... (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Peginterferon--2b: Exacerbation of psoriasis, treated with UVB light therapy: case report

Reactions — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:50:10 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

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Topical treatments for chronic plaque psoriasis.

American Family Physician — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bailey J, Whitehair B PMID: 20187595 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Family Physician)

Triptolide Inhibits IL-12/IL-23 Expression in APCs via CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein {alpha}

Journal of Immunology — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study provides mechanistic insights into the immunomodulatory capacity of triptolide and has strong implications for its therapeutic applications in autoimmune diseases. PMID: 20194724 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Immunology)

Adverse reactions during biological therapy for psoriasis: Results of a survey of the Spanish Psoriasis Group.

Actas Dermo-Sifiliograficas — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The safety data provided by our study should be taken into account in view of the large number of patients recruited by dermatologists experienced in the use of this type of therapy. PMID: 20223158 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Actas Dermo-Sifiliograficas)

Production of interleukin-8 by circulating CLA+ T cells with skin tropism in patients with psoriasis and in healthy controls.

Actas Dermo-Sifiliograficas — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

DISCUSSION: Previous studies have confirmed IL-8 production by T lymphocytes in inflammatory skin diseases with neutrophil-rich infiltrates, such as acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, Behçet disease, and pustular psoriasis. We have confirmed the role of the subset of T lymphocytes with skin tropism (CLA+) in IL-8 production in nonpustular psoriasis. PMID: 20223157 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Actas Dermo-Sifiliograficas)

Most of Adalimumab's Efficacy in Psoriasis Lasts

Rheumatology News — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

LAS VEGAS — Many patients who take adalimumab for psoriasis over the long term can expect a high rate of response that persists, but there is some real but small loss of effect, Dr. Kenneth B. Gordon said at a dermatology seminar sponsored by Skin Disease Education Foundation. (Source: Rheumatology News)

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Adalimumab, Ustekinumab: Cost vs. Convenience

Rheumatology News — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

BERLIN — Ustekinumab and adalimumab exhibited similar efficacy and safety in a matching-adjusted comparison of outcomes across major clinical trials in psoriasis. However, drug costs per responder at 12 weeks differed. A PASI 75 result cost $7,455 more with ustekinumab at a dose of 45 mg every 12 weeks than the $14,419 per responder for adalimumab at 40 mg every other week, and $25,968 more per responder for ustekinumab at 90 mg every 12 weeks, James Signorovitch, Ph.D., said at the annual congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. (Source: Rheumatology News)

Sorafenib-associated remission of psoriasis in hypernephroma: Case report

Kidney Cancer Association — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:13:38 +0100

Psoriasis is thought to be angiogenesis dependent. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma is a hypervascularized solid tumor associated with loss of function of the von Hippel_Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor.02/28/2010 (Source: Kidney Cancer Association)

Far erythemogenic NB-UVB dose effective for plaque-type psoriasis

MedWire News - Dermatology — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:04:05 +0100

Far erythemogenic dose of narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy appears to be as effective as near and suberythemogenic doses for plaque-type psoriasis, say researchers. (Source: MedWire News - Dermatology)

Far erythemogenic NB-UVB dose effective for plaque-type psoriasis

MedWire News - Psoriasis — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:04:05 +0100

Sorafenib-associated remission of psoriasis in hypernephroma: Case report.

Dermatol Online J — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 11:58:02 +0100

Authors: Fournier C, Tisman G Psoriasis is a disease characterized by epidermal hyperproliferation that results in the formation of lesional plaques covered by scale. Psoriasis is thought to be angiogenesis dependent. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma is a hypervascularized solid tumor associated with loss of function of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene and increased Raf-1 activity. A 68-year-old man who suffered from recalcitrant psoriasis for over 50 years was treated with sorafenib for metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma. One month later, his psoriasis, previously 8 x 6 cm on the mid posterior thorax, completely resolved. Sorafenib works by inhibiting several receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFR) and platelet-derived gr...

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A case of aseptic pleuropericarditis in a patient with chronic plaque psoriasis under methotrexate therapy.

Dermatol Online J — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 11:58:02 +0100

We report here a rare case of pleuropericarditis due to methotrexate. The effusion resolved after the withdrawal of the drug and the beginning of anti-inflammatory therapy; there was no relapse during a 10-month follow-up. PMID: 20178709 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Dermatol Online J)

Psoriasis: Can statins play a dual role?

Dermatol Online J — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 11:58:02 +0100

Authors: Rajpara AN, Goldner R, Gaspari A Recently, a strong association between "psoriasis" and "atherosclerosis" has emerged. Psoriasis patients have an increased prevalence of atherosclerotic disease including coronary artery, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular diseases. The exact connection between psoriasis and atherosclerosis remains unclear, but it is thought that inflammation, which plays an important role in both diseases, may be the causative link. Nevertheless, psoriasis patients suffer from an increased burden of atherosclerotic disease and most commonly die from "coronary artery disease" (CAD). Psoriatic patients have an increased prevalence of CAD risk factors and an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI). One CAD risk factor in psoriasis patients that can eas...

A review of home phototherapy for psoriasis.

Dermatol Online J — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 11:58:02 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Home phototherapy is a well-tolerated, efficacious, economical and patient friendly therapeutic option. Advantages of home phototherapy include improved quality of life, greater convenience, lower cost, and less time lost from work and social activities. Dermatologists should strongly consider home phototherapy as a first-line treatment option for appropriately selected psoriasis patients. PMID: 20178697 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Dermatol Online J)

Psoriasis and EDA+ fibronectin loops.

The British Journal of Dermatology — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: McFadden JP, Baker BS, Powles AV, Fry L We have previously postulated that as well as Th1 and Th17 cells, the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta)/fibronectin (FN)/ alpha5beta 1 (alpha5beta1) pathway is central to psoriasis pathogenesis. Extra domain A (EDA+) FN refers to an alternatively spliced isoform of FN with an additional domain known as extra domain A. EDA+ FN has two important properties pertinent to psoriasis lesions; it stimulates keratinocyte hyper-proliferation, and, through stimulation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), stimulates production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. EDA+ FN production induced by TGF-beta stimulation can be maintained in psoriasis lesions via two main feedback loops. Firstly, EDA+ FN stimulates proliferation of keratinocytes, which, in aut...

Study Shows Twice Weekly Etanercept (Enbrel) Clears Psoriasis Lesions More Quickly Than Once Weekly Treatment

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0100

Initial treatment with twice weekly etanercept (Enbrel), a tumour necrosis factor antagonist, achieves more rapid clearance of skin lesions than once weekly treatment in patients with active psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, according to results from the PRESTA study reported recently in the British Medical Journal. The international study randomised 752 patients with both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis to etanercept 50mg twice weekly or 50mg once weekly for 12 weeks, given by subcutaneous injection. All patients were then given etanercept 50mg once weekly for an additional 12 weeks... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Study Shows Twice Weekly Etanercept (Enbrel) Clears Psoriasis Lesions More Quickly Than Once Weekly Treatment

Dermatology News From Medical News Today — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0100

Adalimumab in Japanese patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis: Efficacy and safety results from a Phase II/III randomized controlled study

The Journal of Dermatology — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Incidence of psoriasis vulgaris in Asians is estimated at 0.05[ndash]0.3%. Studies in North America and Europe demonstrated that adalimumab, a fully human, recombinant, immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody, was efficacious and well-tolerated in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. This 24-week, placebo-controlled study evaluated the efficacy and safety of three different dosing regimens of adalimumab in Japanese patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis (n = 169). Patients were randomized to receive adalimumab 40 mg every other week (eow), adalimumab 80-mg loading dose at week 0 followed by adalimumab 40 mg eow starting at week 2, adalimumab 80 mg eow, or placebo eow given as s.c. injections. The primary efficacy endpoint was the percentage of patients achieving a 75% o...

Risk factors associated with having psoriatic arthritis in patients with cutaneous psoriasis

The Journal of Dermatology — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The aim of this study was to determine if the following characteristics were associated with the presence of psoriatic arthritis in a sample of psoriasis patients: race, family history of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, age of onset of psoriasis, smoking, alcohol consumption and the maximum body surface area (BSA) affected by psoriasis. This was a case[ndash]control study involving 400 psoriasis patients who attended the Psoriasis and Photo-medicine clinic in the National Skin Center of Singapore over a 1-year period. Cases were psoriasis patients with psoriatic arthritis while controls were psoriasis patients without psoriatic arthritis. The diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis was made by rheumatologists and participants completed a self-administered standardized questionnaire. The maximu...

MRSA in dermatology – Prospective epidemiological study in employees and patients of a dermatological department of a university hospital

JDDG — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In comparison to international studies, the prevalence of MRSA in the current study is in the lower third. In dermatology, patients with a chronic leg ulcer have an increased risk for MRSA and should be screened at admission. A general screening for MRSA seems to be not reasonable in view of the low MRSA rates in the investigated department. (Source: JDDG)

Infliximab therapy induces increased polyclonality of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in psoriasis

British Journal of Dermatology — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Dermatology)

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Expression profiles of ProEx C and Ki67 in squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the skin and their relationship with human papillomavirus genotypes

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: ProExC expression is not associated with HPV in SCCIS of the skin. Proliferating cells are better delineated in SCCIS by ProExC which may be useful to assess the extent of these lesions. Different immunohistochemical profiles seen in neoplasic and non-neoplastic skin lesions suggest diverse alteration of cell-cycle kinetics. Sánchez-Hernández M, Conesa-Zamora P, García-Solano J, Corbalán-Vélez R, Martínez-Barba E, Pérez-Guillermo M. Expression profiles of ProEx C and Ki67 in squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the skin and their relationship with human papillomavirus genotypes. (Source: Journal of Cutaneous Pathology)

Efficacy of methotrexate in ulcerative colitis: Failure or promise

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Low-dose methotrexate is a widely used and efficacious therapy in chronic inflammatory disorders such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Prospective randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of parenteral methotrexate in Crohn's disease (CD). We performed a systematic review of the efficacy of methotrexate in ulcerative colitis (UC) and discuss the results in the context of the known pharmacokinetics and adverse events of methotrexate therapy in inflammatory bowel diseases and other inflammatory conditions.We performed a systematic review of the literature in Medline, Embase, and Web of Science. All publications describing patients with UC treated with methotrexate were included.We identified 12 studies or retrospective case series and 5 meeting abstracts that met the...

Systemic psoriasis therapy costs are increasing at a much higher rate compared with general inflation

PharmacoEconomics and Outcomes News — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:24:07 +0100

(Source: PharmacoEconomics and Outcomes News)

Borreliosis mimicking lupus-like syndrome during infliximab treatment

Clinical And Experimental Dermatology — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report a patient with psoriasis who developed a lupus-like syndrome during infliximab treatment, which was finally diagnosed as an exaggerated systemic infection with Borrelia burgdorferi. This case suggests that autoimmune-like syndromes may actually represent pre-existing or newly acquired nonseptic bacterial or viral infections, which have escaped immune surveillance during TNF-[alpha] blockade. Each autoimmune-like syndrome during TNF-[alpha] blockade should therefore be carefully examined for potential causative infection. (Source: Clinical And Experimental Dermatology)

Co-morbidity and Age-related Prevalence of Psoriasis: Analysis of Health Insurance Data in Germany.

Acta Derm Venereol A... — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 21:21:30 +0100

In conclusion, psoriasis is associated with significant co-morbidities that imply an elevated risk of severe complications. PMID: 20169297 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Acta Derm Venereol A...)

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Psoriasis linked to psychiatric morbidity and cardiovascular risk factors

MedWire News - Dermatology — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:04:36 +0100

Psoriasis appears to be independently associated with significant psychiatric comorbidities and with adverse cardiovascular risk factors, but not cardiovascular events, study findings show. (Source: MedWire News - Dermatology)

Psoriasis linked to psychiatric morbidity and cardiovascular risk factors

MedWire News - Psoriasis — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:04:36 +0100

Psoriasis Associated with Hepatitis C but Not with Hepatitis B

Karger Publishers — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Dermatology (DOI:10.1159/000286131) (Source: Karger Publishers)

Psoriasis Drug Efficacy Decreases as Antibodies Rise (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Dermatology — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:43:02 +0100

Some psoriasis patients who take adalimumab (Humira) for treatment of plaque psoriasis become unresponsive to the drug over time, a new Dutch study found. (Source: MedPage Today Dermatology)

Comparison of the Psoriatic Arthritis Quality of Life (PsAQoL) questionnaire, the functional status (HAQ) and utility (EQ-5D) measures in psoriatic arthritis: results from a cross-sectional survey.

Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The PsAQoL, the HAQ, and the EQ-5D are able to distinguish well across levels of PsA severity. PMID: 20166848 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology)

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A case of psoriasis vulgaris with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis involved with ossifications of posterior and anterior longitudinal ligament

Rheumatology International — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:27:35 +0100

Abstract Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is difficult to distinguish from various forms of inflammatory arthritis, including psoriatic arthritis (PsA), rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. A 67-year-old Japanese male had been treated for psoriasis vulgaris for 13 years. Numbness of his right arm and lower limbs and spinal stiffening had developed 7 years prior to his initial evaluation at our facility. He noticed pain mainly while exercising. There were symmetrical marginal syndesmophytes in the spine, from the thoracic vertebrae to the upper lumbar vertebrae, on radiological examinations. We therefore suspected DISH. Furthermore, ossifications of the posterior and anterior longitudinal ligaments were noted in the cervical spine. Labo...

Urinary 8-OHdG level in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology)

Questionnaire-based survey of the treatment of patients with psoriasis and hepatitis C in Japan

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology)

Goeckerman therapy versus biologics in the treatment of psoriasis

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:09:35 +0100

In this study they showed that 20 of 23 patients had greater than 80% clearance over the 3-week duration of Goeckerman therapy. Yet, it is interesting to note that only 3 of these subjects, “refractory to biologic therapy”, had previously received infliximab or adalimumab, agents expected to give greater than 80% clearance in the majority of patients. Thus this comparison and statement concerning “resistance to biologics” is certainly not warranted. (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)

Goeckerman treatment: Neglected in the consensus approach for critically challenging case scenarios in moderate to severe psoriasis

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:09:34 +0100

To the Editor: We note that Goeckerman treatment (ultraviolet light phototherapy plus crude coal tar) was considered as one of the top 10 options for managing moderate to severe psoriasis for only six (including three that concerned its use in pregnancy) of the 32 critically challenging case scenarios in the consensus statement recently published in the Journal. In contrast, at Mayo Clinic, Goeckerman treatment is one of our top considerations (and often the top choice) for managing the vast majority of scenarios described in this article. Goeckerman treatment has been well documented for decades to be extraordinarily effective, safe, and associated with long-lasting remission; it is also cost effective (current cost, approximately $10000-12000) and is associated with a low incidence of ad...

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A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase I study of MEDI-545, an anti–interferon-alfa monoclonal antibody, in subjects with chronic psoriasis

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:09:29 +0100

Conclusion: The safety profile of MEDI-545 supports further clinical development. IFN-α does not appear to be significantly involved in the maintenance of established plaque psoriasis. (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)

Strategies for Treatment With Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Agents in Psoriasis: Maintaining Efficacy and Safety for the Long Haul [Editorial]

Archives of Dermatology — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:50:43 +0100

(Source: Archives of Dermatology)

Treatment Nonadherence and Long-term Effects of Narrowband UV-B Therapy in Patients With Psoriasis [Research Letters]

Archives of Dermatology — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:50:43 +0100

(Source: Archives of Dermatology)

Pilot Study Using Teledermatology to Manage High-Need Patients With Psoriasis [Research Letters]

Archives of Dermatology — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:50:43 +0100

(Source: Archives of Dermatology)

Extent and Clinical Consequences of Antibody Formation Against Adalimumab in Patients With Plaque Psoriasis [Study]

Archives of Dermatology — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:50:42 +0100

Conclusion Antibodies to adalimumab are associated with lower serum adalimumab trough concentrations and with nonresponse or loss of response to adalimumab in patients with plaque psoriasis. (Source: Archives of Dermatology)

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1,24-dihydroxyvitamin D (tacalcitol) prohibits skin T-cell infiltration.

The British Journal of Dermatology — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These findings suggest that tacalcitol reduces skin inflammation by partially down-regulating CLA expression levels. PMID: 20163421 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The British Journal of Dermatology)

The economic impact of high-need psoriasis in daily clinical practice before and after the introduction of biologics.

The British Journal of Dermatology — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Introduction of biological therapies may have cost neutral or cost saving effects for patients who otherwise require long hospitalization periods. Treatment with biologics proved effective and was accompanied by a high satisfaction of patients. PMID: 20163420 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The British Journal of Dermatology)

1,24-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (tacalcitol) prevents skin T-cell infiltration

British Journal of Dermatology — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions These findings suggest that tacalcitol reduces skin inflammation by partially downregulating CLA expression levels. (Source: British Journal of Dermatology)

Histological and transcriptional study of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in uninvolved skin, acute pinpoint lesions and established psoriasis plaques: An approach of vascular development chronology in psoriasis

Journal of Dermatological Science — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 14:02:44 +0100

Conclusion: These data suggest that the expansion of lymphatic vessels occurs after blood vascular development in psoriasis. Expansion of BV in PP could be followed by vessel enlargement during progression to PSO, in parallel with a decreased VEGF-A 189/VEGF-A 121 balance in plaques. (Source: Journal of Dermatological Science)

Topical application of anti-angiogenic peptides based on pigment epithelium-derived factor can improve psoriasis

Journal of Dermatological Science — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 14:02:44 +0100

We examined the expression of PEDF in skin by immunohistochemical staining, immunoblotting, and RT-PCR. To identify potential PEDF peptides, we screened peptides derived from the proteolytic fragmentation of PEDF for their anti-proliferative action. Anti-psoriatic functions of these peptides were analyzed using a mouse graft model of psoriasis.Results: The specific low-molecular weight peptides (MW (Source: Journal of Dermatological Science)

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How do regional factors influence psoriasis patient care in Germany?

JDDG — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Differences in economic and regulatory conditions of health care might account for the observed regional variations. Thus, further analyses of these factors are of great importance to assure consistent psoriasis health care in Germany. (Source: JDDG)

Twice, rather than once, weekly etanercept offers skin but not joint benefits

MedWire News - Dermatology — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:03:32 +0100

Twice weekly treatment with 50 mg of etanercept appears to be superior to once weekly treatment for the clearance of skin lesions in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, findings from the PRESTA study show. (Source: MedWire News - Dermatology)

Twice, rather than once, weekly etanercept offers skin but not joint benefits

MedWire News - Psoriasis — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:03:32 +0100

Association Discovered Between Eczema In Early Childhood And Psychological Problems In Children At Age 10 Years

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Eczema in early childhood may influence behavior and mental health later in life. This is a key finding of a prospective birth cohort study to which scientists of Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen contributed. In cooperation with colleagues of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat (LMU), Technische Universitat Munchen (TUM) and Marien-Hospital in Wesel, North Rhine-Westphalia this study followed 5,991 children who were born between 1995 and 1998. The study has been published in the current issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 125 (2010); 404-410... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Association Discovered Between Eczema In Early Childhood And Psychological Problems In Children At Age 10 Years

Allergy News From Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

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Psoriasis Medication Shows Promising Results

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 03:51:27 +0100

Topical ointments and lasers can both be used to treat psoriasis. But a new injectable medication is doing more than any treatment before to minimize visits to the doctor's office and maximize benefits. (Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire)

Personalized medicine in psoriasis: developing a genomic classifier to predict histological response to Alefacept

BMC Dermatology — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Although this study is small, and based on analysis of existing microarray data, we demonstrate that a treatment response classifier for alefacept can be created based on gene expression of PBMCs in psoriasis. This preliminary study may provide a useful tool to predict response of psoriatic patients to alefacept. (Source: BMC Dermatology)

Psychometric Investigation in 48 Dutch Patients Suffering from Psoriasis

Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Psychother Psychosom 197677;27:159162 (DOI:10.1159/000287013) (Source: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics)

Involvement of IL-17F via the induction of IL-6 in psoriasis

Archives of Dermatological Research — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:47:44 +0100

Abstract Recently, the important role of T helper 17 (Th17) cells in psoriasis has been clarified; however, the role of IL-17F produced by Th17 cells is still not fully understood. IL-6 exhibits multiple biologic functions, such as regulation of immunological responses including those in psoriatic reactions. Therefore, we examined the production of IL-6 protein in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) stimulated by IL-17F, TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-17A in combination with TNF-α, and PBS control. We then examined the expression of IL-6 mRNA in mouse skin after intradermal injection of IL-17F. Finally, IL-17F expression in skin biopsy specimens from psoriasis patients was examined by immunohistochemistry. The results showed that IL-17F induced production of IL-6 in NHEKs...

Genetic variation at the CCR5/CCR2 gene cluster and risk of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Cytokine — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our work suggests that the genetic variation at the CCR2/CCR5 genes did not contribute to the risk for Ps, but CCR2 polymorphisms could modulate the risk for arthritis in patients with psoriasis. PMID: 20153665 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Cytokine)

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Certolizumab pegol: First report of psoriasis: case report

Reactions — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:08:42 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Macular patches on the arms

Pulse Today Clinical Updates — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Were these striking lesions psoriasis, eczema, diabetes-related or a drug side-effect? Dr Keith Hopcroft explains how he came to the right diagnosis (Source: Pulse Today Clinical Updates)

Conditioned Pharmacotherapeutic Effects: A Preliminary Study

Psychosomatic Medicine — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:38:03 +0100

Conclusions: A partial schedule of pharmacotherapeutic reinforcement could maintain psoriasis patients with a cumulative amount of corticosteroid that was relatively ineffective when administered under standard treatment conditions. Conceivably, corticosteroid administration only one quarter or half as frequently as currently prescribed is sufficient to treat psoriasis. We posit, however, that these preliminary observations implicate conditioning processes in—and for the design of—regimens of pharmacotherapy. (Source: Psychosomatic Medicine)

Health news: Pomegranates can speed up labour, new psoriasis drug offers greater relief and a dose of herbs could banish flu

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:46:22 +0100

Pomegranates could help speed up childbirth - and may reduce the number of emergency Caesarean sections performed as a result of long labour. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

SMC accepts restricted use of ustekinumab (Stelara®) for psoriasis

NeLM - Drug Specific Reviews — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) Area: Evidence > Drug Specific Reviews Following a full submission, the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted ustekinumab (Stelara®) for restricted use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who failed to respond to, or who have a contraindication to, or are intolerant to other systemic therapies including ciclosporin, methotrexate and psoralen and UVA treatment (PUVA). Continued treatment should be restricted to patients who achieve a PASI 75 response within 16 weeks. This advice takes account of a Patient Access Scheme that improves the cost-effectiveness of ustekinumab, and is therefore dependent upon its continuing availability in NHS Scotland. The drug a...

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Periodontitis in psoriasis patients. A blinded, case-controlled study.

Acta Odontologica Scandinavica — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. Our study indicates that psoriasis patients experience more bone loss than age- and gender-matched controls. PMID: 20141361 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Odontologica Scandinavica)

Apolipoprotein ε4 allele is associated with Psoriasis severity: reply

Archives of Dermatological Research — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:59:44 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorDOI 10.1007/s00403-010-1031-xAuthors Pablo Coto-Segura, Hospital Central Universitario de Asturias Dermatology II Department Oviedo Asturias SpainEliecer Coto, Hospital Central Universitario de Asturias Molecular Genetics Department Oviedo Asturias SpainVictoria Alvarez, Hospital Central Universitario de Asturias Molecular Genetics Department Oviedo Asturias SpainJorge Santos-Juanes, Hospital Central Universitario de Asturias Dermatology II Department Oviedo Asturias Spain Journal Archives of Dermatological ResearchOnline ISSN 1432-069XPrint ISSN 0340-3696 (Source: Archives of Dermatological Research)

Methotrexate enhances NBUVB treatment of psoriasis

MedWire News - Psoriasis — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:09:57 +0100

The combination of methotrexate and narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy may offer psoriasis patients more rapid clinical improvement of their symptoms than narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy alone, research suggests. (Source: MedWire News - Psoriasis)

Tailor Etanercept to Symptoms in Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Dermatology — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:43:02 +0100

The decision to use once-weekly or twice-weekly etanercept in patients with both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis should be determined by the cutaneous and joint symptoms of the patient, researchers said. (Source: MedPage Today Dermatology)

Methotrexate enhances NBUVB treatment of psoriasis

MedWire News - Dermatology — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

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Xanthohumol inhibits IL-12 production and reduces chronic allergic contact dermatitis.

International Immunopharmacology — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cho YC, You SK, Kim HJ, Cho CW, Lee IS, Kang BY Xanthohumol (XN) and its related compounds were evaluated for their effects on modulating the production of interleukin (IL)-12, the most important factor driving T helper 1 immune responses. XN showed the strongest inhibitory effect on IL-12 production in macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or LPS/Interferon-gamma. Xanthohumol 4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (XNG) inhibited IL-12 production less effectively than XN. Isoxanthohumol and 8-prenylnaringenin showed comparatively lower inhibitory effects on IL-12 production than XNG. (2S)-5-methoxy-8-prenylnaringenin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside did not exert any effect on IL-12 production. We then tested how these compounds affected NF-kappaB binding activity to the kappaB s...

Comparison of two etanercept regimens for treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: PRESTA randomised double blind multicentre trial

BMJ Online First — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:06:16 +0100

Objectives To compare the efficacy over 12 weeks of two different etanercept regimens in treating the skin manifestations of psoriasis in patients who also have psoriatic arthritis and to evaluate... (Source: BMJ Online First)

Efficacy of a far erythemogenic dose of narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy in chronic plaque-type psoriasis

The Journal of Dermatology — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of far erythemogenic dose of narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB; starting dose at 35% minimal erythematous dose [MED]) on clinical response by measuring the severity, extent of disease and the changes in quality of life. Fifty patients with chronic plaque-type psoriasis were enrolled. Therapy was held for 3 days a week. The severity of the disease was assessed based on the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores. The percentage improvement of PASI at 30 sessions was 68.99%. The improvement in DLQI scores at 30 sessions was 79.67%. Pearson correlation coefficients showed that PASI scores were not correlated with DLQI scores at the beginning of treatment (P = 0.330, r = 0.14), but af...

Comorbidities associated with psoriasis: An experience from the Middle East

The Journal of Dermatology — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Recent studies suggest that psoriasis patients have higher rates of comorbidities. We sought to determine the prevalence of comorbidities and co-medications in our psoriasis patients. We conducted case-control study in 1835 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and age- and gender-matched cohort without psoriasis. Patients were examined for clinical characteristics of psoriasis, PASI scores, and data of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, comorbidities, and co-medications were analysed for both patients and controls. We identified 1661 (92.8%) patients with mild to moderate psoriasis (PASI < 10) and 129 patient's (7.03%) with severe psoriasis (PASI > 10). Patients with psoriasis were more likely to be current smokers (51.34% vs 32.51% controls). Respective prevalence rates of risk ...

Etanercept in psoriasis: initial twice weekly treatment brings faster improvement to skin but not joints

NeLM - News — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study was to determine whether either regimen was superior in patients with both skin and joint symptoms. Participants were adults with active but stable moderate to severe psoriasis and active psoriatic arthropathy. They were randomised to etanercept 50mg once or twice weekly for 12 weeks, with matching placebo in the once weekly group to maintain blinding. After the 12 week study period, all received open-label once weekly etanercept for a further 12 weeks. Primary outcome was the proportion of participants who achieved "clear" or ... (Source: NeLM - News)

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High Prevalence of Potential Drug-Drug Interactions for Psoriasis Patients Prescribed Methotrexate or Cyclosporine for Psoriasis: Associated Clinical and Economic Outcomes in Real-World Practice

Dermatology — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Dermatology (DOI:10.1159/000275198) (Source: Dermatology)

Psoriasis treatment: Can fish oil supplements reduce symptoms?

MayoClinic.com Full Feed — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:00:00 +0100

Psoriasis treatment — Fish oil supplements may be helpful, but use caution. (Source: MayoClinic.com Full Feed)

Psoriasis treatment: Can fish oil supplements reduce symptoms?

MayoClinic.com - Ask a Specialist — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:00:00 +0100

Psoriasis treatment — Fish oil supplements may be helpful, but use caution. (Source: MayoClinic.com - Ask a Specialist)

Relationships between obesity and the clinical severity of psoriasis in Taiwan

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions In psoriasis patients, obesity is associated with a more severe disease, especially in men. Bodyweight control may be important for the management of psoriasis. (Source: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology)

Effect of cyclosporine on blood pressure

NeLM - Patient Safety — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Cochrane Library Area: Evidence > Medication Safety Abstract Background Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive agent used for different autoimmune diseases. The official Canadian indications for cyclosporine are solid organ transplantation, bone marrow transplantation, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and nephritic syndrome (e-CPS 2008). The expanding range of indications for cyclosporine therapy will lead to more patients receiving chronic therapy with possible side effects, hypertension being one of the most common. Therefore it is essential to know the magnitude of increase of blood pressure (BP) associated with cyclosporine in order to appropriately manage patients receiving the drug. Objectives The primary objective of this systematic review is to evaluate ...

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The uses and properties of almond oil.

Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ahmad Z Almond oil [Oleum amygdalae] has long been used in complementary medicine circles for its numerous health benefits. Although no conclusive scientific data exists currently, almonds and almond oil have many properties including anti-inflammatory, immunity-boosting and anti-hepatotoxicity effects. Further, associations between almond oil and improved bowel transit have been made, which consequently reduces irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Further, some studies show a reduced incidence of colonic cancer. Moreover, cardiovascular benefits have also been identified with almond oil elevating the levels of so-called 'good cholesterol', high-density lipoproteins (HDL), whilst it reduces low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Historically, almond oil had been used in Ancient Chinese...

IL-1 from epithelial cells fosters T-cell dependent skin inflammation.

The British Journal of Dermatology — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion IL-1 secretion and the physical contact between keratinocytes and activated, infiltrating T-cells may be central for the development of chronic inflammatory skin conditions. PMID: 20128791 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The British Journal of Dermatology)

Phosphodiesterase 7A inhibitor ASB16165 impairs proliferation of keratinocytes in vitro and in vivo.

European Journal of Pharmacology — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Goto M, Kadoshima-Yamaoka K, Murakawa M, Yoshioka R, Tanaka Y, Inoue H, Murafuji H, Kanki S, Hayashi Y, Nagahira K, Ogata A, Nakatsuka T, Fukuda Y Excessive proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes is a typical aspect of chronic skin diseases such as psoriasis. In the present study, effect of phosphodiesterase 7A (PDE7A) inhibitor ASB16165 on proliferation of keratinocytes was investigated to examine the role of PDE7A in keratinocyte proliferation and the possible therapeutic relevance of PDE7A inhibition in psoriasis. Topical application of ASB16165 inhibited the increase of thickness of skin as well as epidermis in a skin inflammation model induced by repeated painting of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in a concentration-dependent manner. The ASB16165 treatment a...

The patient's journey: living with psoriasis - the doctors' perspective.

The British Journal of General Practice — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Alexandroff AB, Johnston GA PMID: 20132723 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The British Journal of General Practice)

The patient's journey: living with psoriasis - the patient's perspective.

The British Journal of General Practice — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pickering H PMID: 20132722 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The British Journal of General Practice)

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Ustekinumab Bests Etanercept in Psoriasis Study

Family Practice News — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Ustekinumab at a dose of 45 or 90 mg at baseline and again at week 4 was more effective than a 50-mg dose of etanercept twice weekly in a 12-week randomized study of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. (Source: Family Practice News)

A dramatic response to a single dose of infliximab as rescue therapy in acute generalized pustular psoriasis of von Zumbusch associated with a neutrophilic cholangitis.

The Australasian Journal of Dermatology — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report a case of a 48-year-old Chinese female patient with a long-standing history of poorly controlled generalized pustular psoriasis which was resistant to multiple therapies. During a severe flare, a single dose of infliximab resulted in rapid clearing of cutaneous lesions, together with resolution of liver function abnormalities that are likely secondary to neutrophilic cholangitis. Subsequent maintenance therapy with acitretin allowed remission of pustular disease for 7 months. This demonstrates the efficacy of single-dose infliximab for both cutaneous lesions and systemic hepatic involvement in generalized pustular psoriasis. PMID: 20148838 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Australasian Journal of Dermatology)

Biomarkers in Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: GRAPPA 2008.

J Rheumatol — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ritchlin CT, Qureshi AA, de Vlam K, Pitzalis C, Helliwell PS, Mease PJ, Gladman DD, Krueger GG, Kavanaugh AF, Fitzgerald O Biomarkers can provide valuable insights into disease susceptibility and natural history and may serve as surrogate endpoints for a variety of different outcomes. At the 2008 annual meeting of GRAPPA (Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis), members were updated on the development of biomarkers in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Plenary presentations included a translational approach to biomarker development (Christopher Ritchlin, University of Rochester, NY, USA), biomarkers for psoriasis (Abrar Qureshi, Harvard Medical School, MA, USA), new data on biomarkers for damage in PsA (Kurt de Vlam, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium...

Composite Measures in Psoriatic Arthritis: GRAPPA 2008.

J Rheumatol — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gladman DD, Landewé R, McHugh NJ, Fitzgerald O, Thaci D, Coates L, Mease PJ, Qureshi AA, Krueger GG, Ritchlin CT, Kavanaugh AF, Garg A At the 2008 annual meeting of GRAPPA (Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis) in Leeds, UK, members discussed the value and current status of composite measures for the assessment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). In plenary presentations, examples of composite measures developed for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) were reviewed, followed by a presentation of the assessment of disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus. Three recently devised composite methods of assessing activity or response in PsA also were presented. Considerable discussion followed in breakout groups, and mem...