American Journal of Clinical Dermatology最新文献

Background

Nail psoriasis can have a substantial negative impact on both the physical and emotional well-being of patients, and is a risk factor for psoriatic arthritis. Achieving complete clearance of nails in addition to skin is therefore an important treatment goal.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate concurrent complete skin and nail clearance in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis treated with bimekizumab or active comparators.

Methods

Data were analyzed from the BE SURE and BE VIVID phase III trials, their open-label extension BE BRIGHT, and the BE RADIANT phase IIIb trial and its open-label extension. Included patients had baseline modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (mNAPSI) >0 and entered their respective open-label extension. Proportions of patients achieving complete skin (PASI 100; 100% improvement from baseline in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) and nail (mNAPSI 0) clearance at the same time are reported for bimekizumab- and active comparator-treated patients during controlled trial periods, and in the long term for continuous bimekizumab-treated patients and those switching from comparators. Data are reported using modified non-responder imputation.

Results

At the end of comparator-controlled periods, 45.8% of bimekizumab (N = 151) versus 18.3% of adalimumab (N = 91) patients (BE SURE week 24), 51.1% of bimekizumab (N = 169) versus 26.5% of ustekinumab (N = 92) patients (BE VIVID week 52), and 63.3% of bimekizumab (N = 182) versus 36.1% of secukinumab (N = 155) patients (BE RADIANT week 48) achieved PASI 100 and mNAPSI 0. Following long-term treatment, 57.7% of adalimumab switchers/49.1% of continuous bimekizumab patients (BE SURE/BE BRIGHT year 4), 52.2% of ustekinumab switchers/48.3% of continuous bimekizumab patients (BE VIVID/BE BRIGHT year 4), and 51.9% of secukinumab switchers/57.4% of continuous bimekizumab patients (BE RADIANT year 3) achieved PASI 100 and mNAPSI 0.

Conclusions

Numerically higher proportions of bimekizumab-treated patients achieved concurrent complete skin and nail clearance versus adalimumab, ustekinumab, and secukinumab. Clearance rates increased following switch to bimekizumab, and were sustained long-term in both switchers to bimekizumab and continuous bimekizumab-treated patients. [Graphical abstract available.]

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT03412747, NCT03370133, NCT03598790, NCT03536884.

Graphical Abstract

Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC), also known as neurodermatitis, is a common chronic pruritic dermatosis defined by lichenified plaques resulting from persistent scratching. Though often secondary to underlying dermatologic, systemic, or psychological triggers, LSC represents a distinct clinical entity with significant morbidity. The hallmark itch-scratch cycle contributes not only to visible skin changes but also to substantial sleep disruption, emotional distress, and functional impairment. Psychological stress, anxiety, and depression are frequent comorbidities and can further perpetuate disease chronicity. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the evolving understanding of LSC, from its neuroimmune-driven pathogenesis to the wide spectrum of therapeutic strategies currently available. In addition to topical corticosteroids, novel approaches including immunomodulators, neuromodulators, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, and biologics are being increasingly explored. Procedural therapies such as cryotherapy, fractional laser resurfacing, and botulinum toxin injections, have also emerged as valuable tools, particularly in treatment-refractory cases. Recent insights into type 2 inflammation and dysregulated sensory pathways have informed the rationale for these targeted strategies. In anatomically sensitive areas such as the genital region, where topical agents may be poorly tolerated, systemic treatments may be required. Given this complexity, individualized, multimodal treatment plans are critical to optimizing management and improving quality of life (QoL) in patients with LSC. By synthesizing current data on pathophysiology, diagnosis, and both established and emerging therapies, this review aims to guide clinicians in optimizing care for patients with LSC and addressing its far-reaching psychosocial burden.

The growing availability of targeted immunomodulatory therapies has transformed the treatment landscape for chronic inflammatory skin diseases. However, treatment selection remains largely empirical, often guided more by trial-and-error and insurance mandates than by an individual patient’s underlying disease biology. This disconnect between therapeutic strategy and the need to address and calibrate for patient molecular heterogeneity undermines clinical outcomes and contributes to inefficiency in care delivery. Precision medicine offers a solution by tailoring diagnosis and treatment to the molecular and cellular features of each patient’s skin disease. In this Current Opinion, we outline key clinical contexts where precision approaches can be transformative: diagnostic ambiguity, selecting treatments for an established diagnosis, and selecting treatments without a defined diagnosis or disease mechanism. We highlight advances in precision techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics that enable more refined skin disease classification and accurate prediction of drug response. Although several challenges remain before these techniques can be widely adopted, such as limited biomarker validation, high costs, and a lack of breadth in research cohorts, we argue that their potential benefits, for patients, clinicians, and the broader field of dermatologic care, substantially outweigh the associated costs. We advocate for expanded funding, population-based research, and scalable diagnostics to successfully integrate precision medicine into dermatology. By combining molecular phenotyping with traditional clinicopathologic diagnosis, precision medicine can reduce therapeutic inefficiency, improve patient outcomes, and redefine care paradigms in chronic inflammatory skin disease.

As women of childbearing potential constitute a considerable portion of the total psoriasis population, dermatologists must consider both the clinical and psychosocial implications of psoriasis when treating these patients. This review summarizes key clinical considerations when treating women of childbearing potential with psoriasis, regarding family planning, pregnancy, and the postpartum period, aiming to assist in identifying common concerns within this population. Many women report initiating the discussion on family planning but having limited access to information. Concerns about the impact of psoriasis and its treatment on fertility, pregnancy, and lactation are common, and lack of adequate information can lead to irrevocable decisions. Despite conflicting results, current evidence suggests a potential negative correlation between moderate-to-severe psoriasis and fertility. Studies on adverse maternal and neonatal events associated with psoriasis show inconsistent outcomes and should be communicated with caution. With the increase in available treatment options during pregnancy and lactation, particularly in cases of severe psoriasis, personalized treatment plans are becoming more achievable, allowing dermatologists to better address the needs of their patients. The majority of patients can be treated during pregnancy with topical treatments or ultraviolet-B irradiation. While the general recommendation is to stop systemic treatment before conception, decisions should be made on an individualized basis. If treatment cannot be discontinued, tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors and cyclosporine can be used. It is essential to inform parents of the additional risks associated with live or live-attenuated vaccines in cases where the mother has received systemic treatment during pregnancy and to delay vaccinations accordingly.