Apremilast − a fairly effective drug to manage palmoplantar psoriasis

Abstract

Aim To present real world data for the treatment of palmoplantar psoriasis with Apremilast. Objectives To study the efficacy and safety of apremilast in palmo-plantar psoriasis. Background Palmoplantar psoriasis (PPP) is a disabling condition that is refractory to treatment. Apremilast an approved oral PDE4 inhibitor was used as a twice daily dose to treat our patients. Methods 30 patients of PPP were administered apremilast tablets, along with mid potent topical steroids and emollient cream. 23 patients completed the study. Results The primary end point was the assessment of clinical response in patients achieving Palmoplantar Physicians Global Assessment 0/1 (ppPGA) at 16 weeks which was seen in 34.7% patients. Secondary end points were assessed as follows: Change in mean ppPGA from baseline to week 24, ppPGA 0/1 was seen in 48.7% patients, three patients who continued long term therapy maintained ppPGA 0/1 and adverse events (AE) reported during the course of the therapy were seen in 26% of the patients. Conclusions Apremilast is a fairly effective and safe drug for the management of PPP. It is capable of not only inducing clinically meaningful responses but also keeping PPP under control in the long run.