Comparative effectiveness of combined biologic agents versus standard therapies in the treatment of plaque psoriasis: a retrospective analysis

IntroductionPlaque psoriasis is a persistent skin disorder that necessitates efficient management. This study investigates the therapeutic effectiveness and timeline for skin lesion resolution in plaque psoriasis patients treated with combined biologic agents compared to standard therapies.MethodsConducted retrospectively between March 2020 and March 2023, the study included 162 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Participants were divided into two groups: the Control Group, which received standard treatments, and the Combined Biologic Agent Group, which received additional biologic therapy with secukinumab. Participants in the Control Group received standard treatments, while those in the Combined Biologic Agent Group received standard treatments plus secukinumab.ResultsThe results showed that the Combined Biologic Agent Group experienced a significantly faster onset of therapeutic effects, with an average time of 3.04 ± 2.25 days compared to 6.12 ± 2.06 days in the Control Group. Additionally, skin lesion resolution occurred more rapidly in the biologic agent group (7.04 ± 2.13 days) than in the control group (14.56 ± 4.73 days). By week 24, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores demonstrated a more substantial reduction in the biologic agent group, decreasing from 26.98 ± 11.28 to 2.48 ± 3.01, whereas the control group showed a reduction from 25.82 ± 10.47 to 10.40 ± 7.63. The overall effectiveness rate was higher in the biologic agent group, with no cases of ineffectiveness, compared to a 20.99% ineffectiveness rate in the control group. Furthermore, there was no recurrence of the disease in the biologic agent group, while the control group experienced an 11.11% recurrence rate. Both groups had a similar incidence of adverse reactions, indicating that the addition of biologic agents does not significantly increase the risk of adverse events.DiscussionThese findings suggest that combined biologic agent therapy offers a more effective and faster treatment option for plaque psoriasis without compromising safety. However, larger-scale clinical trials are necessary to validate these results and establish the long-term benefits and safety of this treatment approach in diverse patient populations.