Search

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar el grado de implementación de las recomendaciones del Grupo de Psoriasis (GPS) sobre las actuaciones a seguir durante la edad fértil, el embarazo, el posparto, la lactancia y el cuidado perinatal en la psoriasis. Métodos: Se diseñó y envió una encuesta cerrada, estructurada y anónima, en formato electrónico a miembros del GPS a través del correo electrónico. Se recogieron las variables sociodemográficas y profesionales de los participantes, y otras relacionadas con los objetivos propuestos. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo. Resultados: Se analizaron 53 encuestas. El 96% de los participantes conocen las recomendaciones del GPS, pero su nivel de participación en unidades de atención multidisciplinar o la disposición de protocolos específicos en los servicios es muy baja. El 70% pregunta de forma regular sobre el deseo gestacional, aunque solo el 46% lo pregunta a varones y mujeres. Se ofrece consejo preconcepcional más a mujeres que a varones (54 vs. 19%). Gran variabilidad en cuanto a los consejos ofrecidos. El 90% suspende tratamientos tópicos durante el embarazo, y prácticamente el 100% los tratamientos sistémicos salvo la ciclosporina A. En el tercer trimestre se suspenden la mayoría de las terapias biológicas a excepción de certolizumab pegol. Los tratamientos tópicos, fototerapia y certolizumab pegol son usados casi por el 100% de los encuestados en la lactancia. La falta de tiempo, de apoyo de los gestores y de datos robustos son las principales limitaciones a la implementación de las recomendaciones. Conclusiones: A pesar de que son ampliamente conocidas, las recomendaciones del GPS aún quedan áreas de mejora. Abstract: Objective: To analyze degree of implementation of recommendations on the management of psoriasis during preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, and perinatal care published by the Psoriasis Working Group of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV). Methods: We designed a structured online survey consisting of closed questions. A link was emailed to all the members of the Psoriasis Working Group to collect their anonymous responses. We also collected sociodemographic, professional, and practice-related data related to the goals of the study and then compiled descriptive statistics to analyze the survey findings. Results: We received 53 responses for analysis. Overall, 96% of respondents were familiar with the recommendations, but very few of them worked in multidisciplinary maternity care units or had access to specific protocols on the management of psoriasis before, during, and after pregnancy in their departments. Seventy percent of dermatologists regularly ask their patients about pregnancy plans, but only 46% ask both men and women. Women also receive more preconception advice than men (54% vs. 19%). Significant variations were observed in the type of advice given. Ninety percent of the dermatologists interrupt topical treatments during pregnancy, and nearly all suspend conventional systemic drugs with the exception of cyclosporin A. Most biologics are also being discontinued in the third trimester, with the exception of certolizumab pegol. Almost all the respondents indicated that they use topical treatments, phototherapy, and certolizumab pegol in breastfeeding mothers. The main barriers to implementing the working group's recommendations are a lack of time, a lack of support, and a lack of robust data. Conclusions: Although the AEDV psoriasis working group's recommendations are widely known, areas for improvement remain.

Resumen: El comienzo de la psoriasis en la edad pediátrica, aunque generalmente leve, puede requerir tratamiento sistémico en las formas moderadas o graves de la enfermedad. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la frecuencia relativa, las características de los pacientes, el tratamiento empleado y los eventos adversos (EA) observados a partir del registro BIOBADADERM en niños y jóvenes con psoriasis moderada-grave. Del total de 3.946 pacientes del registro, se incluyen 24 pacientes menores de 21 años, con una edad media al inicio del tratamiento en BIOBADADERM de 16,1 años y un PASI medio de 9,4. El 67% de los pacientes estaba en tratamiento sistémico clásico al inicio del registro. Catorce pacientes (58%) suspendieron el tratamiento por pérdida o falta de eficacia o por EA. En conclusión, los datos del registro BIOBADADERM muestran que los menores representan un grupo muy pequeño dentro de los pacientes con psoriasis que reciben tratamiento sistémico y son manejados más frecuentemente con tratamientos clásicos. Abstract: Childhood-onset psoriasis generally follows an indolent course but patients with moderate or severe disease may require systemic treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the relative proportion of children and young people aged up to 21 years with moderate to severe psoriasis in the BIOBADADERM registry and to analyze the characteristics of these patients, treatments used, and adverse events. Of the 3946 patients in the registry, 24 were aged 21 years or younger. They had mean age of 16.1 years on starting treatment. When the registry was started, they had a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index of 9.4 and 67% were being treated with a conventional systemic drug. Treatment was discontinued in 14 patients (58%) due to adverse events or a loss or lack of effectiveness. In conclusion, the BIOBADADERM registry shows that young people account for a small proportion of psoriasis patients receiving systemic treatment, and they are more likely to be treated using conventional systemic drugs.

Objective: To analyze degree of implementation of recommendations on the management of psoriasis during preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, and perinatal care published by the Psoriasis Working Group of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV). Methods: We designed a structured online survey consisting of closed questions. A link was emailed to all the members of the Psoriasis Working Group to collect their anonymous responses. We also collected sociodemographic, professional, and practice-related data related to the goals of the study and then compiled descriptive statistics to analyze the survey findings. Results: We received 53 responses for analysis. Overall, 96% of respondents were familiar with the recommendations, but very few of them worked in multidisciplinary maternity care units or had access to specific protocols on the management of psoriasis before, during, and after pregnancy in their departments. Seventy percent of dermatologists regularly ask their patients about pregnancy plans, but only 46% ask both men and women. Women also receive more preconception advice than men (54% vs. 19%). Significant variations were observed in the type of advice given. Ninety percent of the dermatologists interrupt topical treatments during pregnancy, and nearly all suspend conventional systemic drugs with the exception of cyclosporin A. Most biologics are also being discontinued in the third trimester, with the exception of certolizumab pegol. Almost all the respondents indicated that they use topical treatments, phototherapy, and certolizumab pegol in breastfeeding mothers. The main barriers to implementing the working group's recommendations are a lack of time, a lack of support, and a lack of robust data. Conclusions: Although the AEDV psoriasis working group's recommendations are widely known, areas for improvement remain. Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar el grado de implementación de las recomendaciones del Grupo de Psoriasis (GPS) sobre las actuaciones a seguir durante la edad fértil, el embarazo, el posparto, la lactancia y el cuidado perinatal en la psoriasis. Métodos: Se diseñó y envió una encuesta cerrada, estructurada y anónima, en formato electrónico a miembros del GPS a través del correo electrónico. Se recogieron las variables sociodemográficas y profesionales de los participantes, y otras relacionadas con los objetivos propuestos. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo. Resultados: Se analizaron 53 encuestas. El 96% de los participantes conocen las recomendaciones del GPS, pero su nivel de participación en unidades de atención multidisciplinar o la disposición de protocolos específicos en los servicios es muy baja. El 70% pregunta de forma regular sobre el deseo gestacional, aunque solo el 46% lo pregunta a varones y mujeres. Se ofrece consejo preconcepcional más a mujeres que a varones (54 vs. 19%). Gran variabilidad en cuanto a los consejos ofrecidos. El 90% suspende tratamientos tópicos durante el embarazo, y prácticamente el 100% los tratamientos sistémicos salvo la ciclosporina A. En el tercer trimestre se suspenden la mayoría de las terapias biológicas a excepción de certolizumab pegol. Los tratamientos tópicos, fototerapia y certolizumab pegol son usados casi por el 100% de los encuestados en la lactancia. La falta de tiempo, de apoyo de los gestores y de datos robustos son las principales limitaciones a la implementación de las recomendaciones. Conclusiones: A pesar de que son ampliamente conocidas, las recomendaciones del GPS aún quedan áreas de mejora.

Resumen: Objetivo: Desarrollar recomendaciones basadas en la mejor evidencia y experiencia sobre el manejo de pacientes con psoriasis durante la edad fértil, el embarazo, el posparto y la lactancia. Métodos: Se siguió la metodología de grupos nominales y Delphi. Se seleccionó un grupo director de expertos (12 dermatólogos —de los cuales 2 fueron los coordinadores—, 1 reumatólogo, 2 ginecólogos). Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura sobre fertilidad, embarazo, posparto y lactancia en pacientes con psoriasis. Con esta información los coordinadores generaron una serie de recomendaciones preliminares. Todo ello se presentó y discutió con el resto de expertos en una reunión de grupo nominal donde se definió el alcance, los usuarios, los apartados del documento, y donde se generaron las recomendaciones definitivas. El grado de acuerdo con las recomendaciones se votó siguiendo la metodología Delphi, que se extendió a 51 dermatólogos más, según una escala de 1 (total desacuerdo) a 10 (total acuerdo), definiéndose el acuerdo como una puntuación ≥ 7 por al menos el 70% de los participantes. El nivel de evidencia y el grado de recomendación se clasificaron según el modelo del Center for Evidence Based Medicine de Oxford. El documento completo final fue aprobado por el panel de expertos. Resultados: Se generaron 23 recomendaciones sobre el periodo pre-concepcional (fertilidad y anticoncepción), el embarazo (planificación, manejo farmacológico y seguimiento) y la lactancia (manejo y seguimiento). Todas las recomendaciones menos una alcanzaron el nivel de acuerdo definido. Conclusiones: En los pacientes con psoriasis en edad fértil estas recomendaciones pueden mejorar el manejo, los resultados y el pronóstico. Abstract: Objective: To develop evidence- and experience-based recommendations for the management of psoriasis during preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding. Methods: The nominal group technique and the Delphi method were used. Fifteen experts (12 dermatologists, 2 of whom were appointed coordinators; 1 rheumatologist; and 2 gynecologists) were selected to form an expert panel. Following a systematic review of the literature on fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding in women with psoriasis, the coordinators drew up a series of preliminary recommendations for discussion by the panel at a nominal group meeting. The experts defined the scope, sections, and intended users of the statement and prepared a final list of recommendations. Consensus was obtained using a Delphi process in which an additional 51 dermatologists rated their level of agreement with each recommendation on a scale of 1 (total disagreement) to 10 (total agreement). Consensus was defined by a score of 7 or higher assigned by at least 70% of participants. Level of evidence and strength of recommendation were reported using the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine categories. The final statement was approved by the expert panel. Results: The resulting consensus statement includes 23 recommendations on preconception (fertility and contraception), pregnancy (planning, pharmacological management, and follow-up), and breastfeeding (management and follow-up). Consensus was achieved for all recommendations generated except one. Conclusions: These recommendations for the better management of psoriasis in women of childbearing age could improve outcomes and prognosis.

Childhood-onset psoriasis generally follows an indolent course but patients with moderate or severe disease may require systemic treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the relative proportion of children and young people aged up to 21 years with moderate to severe psoriasis in the BIOBADADERM registry and to analyze the characteristics of these patients, treatments used, and adverse events. Of the 3946 patients in the registry, 24 were aged 21 years or younger. The mean age of this group when they started treatment upon registration on Biobadaderm was 16.1 years and the mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index was 9.4. In 67% the first treatment recorded was with a conventional systemic drug. Treatment was discontinued in 14 patients (58%) due to adverse events or a loss or lack of effectiveness. In conclusion, the BIOBADADERM registry shows that young people account for a small proportion of psoriasis patients receiving systemic treatment, and they are more likely to be treated using conventional systemic drugs. Resumen: El comienzo de la psoriasis en la edad pediátrica, aunque generalmente leve, puede requerir tratamiento sistémico en las formas moderadas o graves de la enfermedad. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la frecuencia relativa, las características de los pacientes, el tratamiento empleado y los eventos adversos observados a partir del registro BIOBADADERM en niños y jóvenes con psoriasis moderada-grave. Del total de 3.946 pacientes del registro, se incluyen 24 pacientes menores de 21 años, con una edad media al inicio del tratamiento en BIOBADADERM de 16,1 años y un PASI medio de 9,4. El 67% de los pacientes estaban en tratamiento sistémico clásico al inicio del registro. Catorce pacientes (58%) suspendieron el tratamiento por pérdida o falta de eficacia o por eventos adversos. En conclusión, los datos del registro BIOBADADERM muestran que los menores representan un grupo muy pequeño dentro de los pacientes con psoriasis que reciben tratamiento sistémico y son manejados más frecuentemente con tratamientos clásicos.

Introduction: PRP is a rare entity of unknown etiopathogenesis. Lack of management guidelines makes it a challenge for clinicians., Objective: To add our experience to increase evidence about PRP., Methods: We performed a retrospective, descriptive and multicentric study of 65 patients with PRP, being the largest European case series of patients with PRP., Results: PRP was more frequent in male patients with an average age of 51 years, but erythrodermic forms presented in older patients (average age 61 years). Six (75%) paediatric patients and ten (60%) non-erythrodermic adults controlled their disease with topical corticosteroids. On the contrary, 26 (68%) erythrodermic patients required biologic therapy as last and effective therapy line requiring an average of 6.5 months to achieve complete response., Conclusion: Our study showed a statistical difference in terms of outcome and response to treatment between children or patients with limited disease and patients who develop erythroderma., (Copyright © 2024 AEDV. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

This consensus document analyzed the management and emotional journey of patients with GPP (generalized pustular psoriasis), and the desirable course of the disease while detecting critical points and translating them into needs and recommendations. This project was conducted in 3 phases with participation from an advisory committee (n=8), an expert panel (n=15) and patients with GPP (n=6). The patients' disease progression was heterogeneous due to disease variations, different health care models implemented and available resources, and the lack of diagnostic and treatment guidelines. A total of 45 different recommendations have been made to optimize management and address the emotional component of these patients. Five of them stand out for their impact and viability. Therefore, a roadmap of priorities has been made generally available to improve the management of patients with GPP., (Copyright © 2024. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

Background and Objective: Psoriasis often precedes the onset of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), so dermatologists often face the challenge of early identifying signs of PsA in patients with psoriasis. Our aim was to validate the Spanish version of the PURE-4 questionnaire as a screening tool for PsA, evaluate its performance in terms of sensitivity, specificity, feasibility, reliability, and build validity., Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational, multicenter trial of adult patients with psoriasis. Initially, patients were assessed by a dermatologist and completed 2 self-administered versions (in print and online) of the PURE-4 questionnaire. Afterwards, the rheumatologist, blinded to the PURE-4 results, assessed the presence/absence of PsA, being the reference to determine the performance of the PURE-4 questionnaire., Results: A total of 268 patients were included (115 [42.9%] women; mean age, 47.1±12.6). The prevalence of PsA according to rheumatologist diagnosis was 12.7% (34 patients). The mean PURE-4 score for patients with psoriasis diagnosed with PsA was 2.3±1.1, and 1.3±1.3 for patients without PsA (P<.001). The cutoff value ≥2 demonstrated the best performance for detecting PsA, with a negative predictive value of 95.1% (95% confidence interval, 90.3-97.6)., Conclusions: The PURE-4 questionnaire demonstrated good performance in detecting PsA, with an optimal cutoff point ≥2. This simple tool could facilitate early referral of patients to the rheumatology unit., (Copyright © 2024 AEDV. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objective: Risankizumab - a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the p19 subunit of IL-23 - has been recently approved to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Real-world data based on a representative pool of patients are currently lacking., Objective: To assess the mid- and long-term safety and efficacy profile of risankizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis in the routine clinical practice., Methods: This was a retrospective and multicenter study of consecutive psoriatic patients on risankizumab from April 2020 through November 2022. The primary endpoint was the number of patients who achieved a 100% improvement in their Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) (PASI100) on week 52., Results: A total of 510 patients, 198 (38.8%) women and 312 (61.2%) men were included in the study. The mean age was 51.7±14.4 years. A total of 227 (44.5%) study participants were obese (body mass index [BMI] >30kg/m 2 ). The mean baseline PASI score was 11.4±7.2, and the rate of patients who achieved PASI100 on week 52, 67.0%. Throughout the study follow-up, 21%, 50.0%, 59.0%, and 66% of the patients achieved PASI100 on weeks 4, 16, 24, and 40, respectively. The number of patients who achieved a PASI ≤2 was greater in the group with a BMI ≤30kg/m 2 on weeks 4 (P=.04), 16 (P=.001), and 52 (P=.002). A statistically significantly greater number of patients achieved PASI100 in the treatment-naïve group on weeks 16 and 52 (P=.001 each, respectively). On week 16 a significantly lower number of participants achieved PASI100 in the group with psoriatic arthropathy (P=.04). Among the overall study sample, 22 (4.3%) patients reported some type of adverse event and 20 (3.9%) discontinued treatment., Conclusions: Risankizumab proved to be a safe and effective therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis in the routine clinical practice., (Copyright © 2024 AEDV. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objective: A significant proportion of women of childbearing age have psoriasis. The aim of this study was to examine family planning concerns in this population., Material and Methods: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study conducted between March 2020 and October 2021. We collected sociodemographic data and analyzed responses to a family planning questionnaire administered to women aged 18 to 45 years with plaque psoriasis who were candidates for systemic treatment., Results: We studied 153 patients (mean [SD] age, 35.4 [8.0] years; mean disease duration, 16.7 years) being treated at 11 Spanish hospitals. Overall, 38.4% of women were considered to have moderate to severe psoriasis by their physicians; perceived severity ratings were significantly higher among women. Psoriasis affected the women's desire to become pregnant or led to their delaying pregnancy in 1 in 3 respondents. They were concerned that their condition might worsen if they had to discontinue or switch treatment or that the treatment might harm the baby. Approximately half of the women had not received family planning counseling from their physicians, and this was more likely to be the case among never-pregnant women. Women on biologic therapy (58.7%) had better psoriasis control and a better quality of life than women on other treatments. Their sexual health was also less affected., Conclusions: Women with psoriasis have numerous family planning concerns, which in some cases can lead them to delay pregnancy or affect their desire to become pregnant. Dermatologists need to receive better training regarding family planning in women with psoriasis so that they can provide their patients with more and better information., (Copyright © 2023 AEDV. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition causing lesions in which high levels of interleukin (IL)-23 and T-helper17 cells are found. Adalimumab remains the only approved treatment. Guselkumab, an antibody targeting the p19 protein subunit of extracellular IL-23, is approved for the treatment of moderate-severe psoriasis, but evidence on its efficacy in treating HS is limited., Objectives: To assess the effectiveness and safety of guselkumab in treating moderate-severe HS under clinical practice conditions., Methods: A multicentre retrospective observational study was carried out in 13 Spanish hospitals including adult HS patients treated with guselkumab within a compassionate use programme (March 2020-March 2022). Data referred to patient demographic and clinical characteristics at treatment initiation (baseline), patient-reported outcomes (Numerical Pain Rating Scale [NPRS] and Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI]), physician scores (International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System [IHS4], HS Physical Global Score [HS-PGA] and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response [HiSCR]) were recorded at baseline and at 16, 24, and 48weeks of treatment., Results: A total of 69 patients were included. Most (84.10%) had severe HS (HurleyIII) and had been diagnosed for over ten years (58.80%). The patients had been subjected to multiple non-biological (mean: 3.56) or biological (mean: 1.78) therapies, and almost 90% of those treated with biologics had received adalimumab. A significant decrease in IHS4, HS-PGA, NPRS, and DLQI scores was observed from baseline to 48weeks of guselkumab treatment (all P<.01). HiSCR was achieved in 58.33% and 56.52% of the patients at 16 and 24weeks, respectively. Overall, 16 patients discontinued treatment, mostly due to inefficacy (n=7) or loss of efficacy (n=3). No serious adverse events were observed., Conclusions: Our results indicate that guselkumab may be a safe and effective therapeutic alternative for patients with severe HS that fail to respond to other biologics., (Copyright © 2023 AEDV. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To analyze degree of implementation of recommendations on the management of psoriasis during preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, and perinatal care published by the Psoriasis Working Group of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV)., Methods: We designed a structured online survey consisting of closed questions. A link was emailed to all the members of the Psoriasis Working Group to collect their anonymous responses. We also collected sociodemographic, professional, and practice-related data related to the goals of the study and then compiled descriptive statistics to analyze the survey findings., Results: We received 53 responses for analysis. Overall, 96% of respondents were familiar with the recommendations, but very few of them worked in multidisciplinary maternity care units or had access to specific protocols on the management of psoriasis before, during, and after pregnancy in their departments. Seventy percent of dermatologists regularly ask their patients about pregnancy plans, but only 46% ask both men and women. Women also receive more preconception advice than men (54% vs. 19%). Significant variations were observed in the type of advice given. Ninety percent of the dermatologists interrupt topical treatments during pregnancy, and nearly all suspend conventional systemic drugs with the exception of cyclosporin A. Most biologics are also being discontinued in the third trimester, with the exception of certolizumab pegol. Almost all the respondents indicated that they use topical treatments, phototherapy, and certolizumab pegol in breastfeeding mothers. The main barriers to implementing the working group's recommendations are a lack of time, a lack of support, and a lack of robust data., Conclusions: Although the AEDV psoriasis working group's recommendations are widely known, areas for improvement remain., (Copyright © 2022 AEDV. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To develop evidence- and experience-based recommendations for the management of psoriasis during preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding., Methods: The nominal group technique and the Delphi method were used. Fifteen experts (12 dermatologists, 2 of whom were appointed coordinators; 1 rheumatologist; and 2 gynecologists) were selected to form an expert panel. Following a systematic review of the literature on fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding in women with psoriasis, the coordinators drew up a series of preliminary recommendations for discussion by the panel at a nominal group meeting. The experts defined the scope, sections, and intended users of the statement and prepared a final list of recommendations. Consensus was obtained using a Delphi process in which an additional 51 dermatologists rated their level of agreement with each recommendation on a scale of 1 (total disagreement) to 10 (total agreement). Consensus was defined by a score of 7 or higher assigned by at least 70% of participants. Level of evidence and strength of recommendation were reported using the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine categories. The final statement was approved by the expert panel., Results: The resulting consensus statement includes 23 recommendations on preconception (fertility and contraception), pregnancy (planning, pharmacological management, and follow-up), and breastfeeding (management and follow-up). Consensus was achieved for all recommendations generated except one., Conclusions: These recommendations for the better management of psoriasis in women of childbearing age could improve outcomes and prognosis., (Copyright © 2020 AEDV. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Objectives: Biologic drugs are usually prescribed as second-line treatment for psoriasis, that is, after the patient has first been treated with a conventional psoriasis drug. There are, however, cases where, depending on the characteristics of the patient or the judgement of the physician, biologics may be chosen as first-line therapy. No studies to date have analyzed the demographics or clinical characteristics of patients in this setting or the safety profile of the agents used. The main aim of this study was to characterize these aspects of first-line biologic therapy and compare them to those observed for patients receiving biologics as second-line therapy., Material and Method: We conducted an observational study of 181 patients treated in various centers with a systemic biologic drug as first-line treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis between January 2008 and November 2016. All the patients were registered in the Spanish Registry of Adverse Events Associated with Biologic Drugs in Dermatology., Results: The characteristics of the first- and second-line groups were very similar, although the patients receiving a biologic as first-line treatment for their psoriasis were older. No differences were observed for disease severity (assessed using the PASI) or time to diagnosis. Hypertension, diabetes, and liver disease were all more common in the first-line group. There were no differences between the groups in terms of reasons for drug withdrawal or occurrence of adverse effects., Conclusions: No major differences were found between patients with psoriasis receiving biologic drugs as first- or second-line therapy, a finding that provides further evidence of the safety of biologic therapy in patients with psoriasis., (Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

Thalidomide is the treatment of choice for severe or recurrent erythema nodosum leprosum. Its use has been associated with deep vein thrombosis in patients with blood disorders, however, particularly when used in combination with corticosteroids or chemotherapy. We describe a case of deep vein thrombosis in a 43-year-old man with lepromatous leprosy who was being treated with thalidomide and prednisone for a type 2 leprosy reaction (erythema nodosum leprosum); the patient also had transiently positive antiphospholipid antibody results. We stress the importance of considering deep vein thrombosis, a potentially fatal complication, in dermatology patients treated with thalidomide., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier España, S.L. y AEDV. All rights reserved.)

Lichen planus is an inflammatory dermatosis that has been associated to different chronic hepatopaties with a variable frequency. In recent years several case reports have been published dealing with lichen planus and its association to hepatitis C virus infection. We report six patients with lichen planus (four males, two females; aged 30-75) who also suffered a chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Lichen planus was confirmed by biopsy and viral infection was based on ELISA and RIBA-4 tests in all patients and also on PCR in five of them. A patient had also been diagnosed of porphyria cutanea tarda. Two patients were treated with alfa-Interferon. It did not modify the evolution of their lichen planus. We recommend to search for hepatitis C virus infection in lichen planus patients and also look for lichen planus patients suffering of chronic hepatopathies to improve our knowledge of the possible relation between both diseases.

We present three cases of polymicrobian endocarditis (PE), two of them in parenterally drug addicts (PDA) and the other one in a central catheter carrier. In all these three cases, the form of clinical presentation was similar to the monomicrobian endocarditis and the valve affected was the tricuspid one, as it occurs in most of the described PE. PE must be suspect in PDA or central catheter carriers if a rare germ is isolated (commensal of skin, oropharynx or gastrointestinal tract) or if there is a poor response to the antibiotic treatment, as it is the case in the patients described here.