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Introduction/Aims: Laboratory and clinical data suggest a link between neurologically mediated inflammation and psoriasis, but the risk and features of peripheral neuropathy in psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis remain unknown. The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate the risk and to describe the features of peripheral neuropathy in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Methods: One hundred patients with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis and 100 control subjects were consecutively enrolled. Diagnostic confirmation included electrophysiological examination, skin biopsy, and nerve ultrasound for confirmed polyneuropathy. Results: Nine patients were diagnosed with confirmed polyneuropathy, while none of the control subjects had the condition (relative risk [RR] = 19.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12–322.11). Specific relative risks for polyneuropathy were 22.09 (95% CI = 1.17–416.43) in psoriasis patients and 18.75 (95% CI = 1.07–327.62) in psoriatic arthritis patients. The observed polyneuropathy in all nine patients was length‐dependent, symmetrical, and predominantly sensory, with minimal or no disability. Comorbidities and exposure to therapies known to increase the risk of polyneuropathy were more frequent in psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis patients compared to controls (42% vs. 4%, p =.0001). Analyzing data after excluding possible contributory causes, the risk of polyneuropathy in patients with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis was not significant. Discussion: Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis appear to be associated with an increased risk of polyneuropathy. This increased risk seems to be linked to the higher prevalence of contributing factors for polyneuropathy, rather than a direct increase in neuropathy risk specifically related to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of quality of life (QoL) in patients with psoriasis plays a crucial role in understanding the impact of the disease and evaluating treatment outcomes. We provide an overview of the key measures used to assess QoL in psoriasis patients, including both generic and psoriasis-specific instruments. The limitations and strengths of instruments such as the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Skindex, and Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) are discussed, highlighting their psychometric properties and areas for improvement. Furthermore, this review examines the potential of disease-specific QoL measures in providing greater sensitivity to disease-related burden and change compared to generic instruments. However, most of the available psoriasis-specific patient-reported outcome measures need further validation. We aim to provide valuable insights into the importance of using validated QoL measures in clinical practice and research, ultimately contributing to a more comprehensive assessment of the impact of psoriasis on patients' lives and enhancing the evaluation of treatment interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide, impacting their physical and emotional well-being. The management of psoriasis requires effective communication and a strong physician–patient relationship. Objective: We aim to develop a novel algorithm to enhance patient well-being and care in moderate-to-severe psoriasis, considering the time constraints that dermatologists have in public hospitals. Methods: This project employed a multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration between 14 experienced dermatologists (referred to as Key Opinion Leaders: KOLs) and a psychologist. During three separate meetings (an initial virtual session, a face-to-face meeting, and a final virtual meeting), an algorithm (Embracing Patients' Well-being in their Journey of Moderate-to-Severe psoriasis: EMPATHY), describing the patient's reception through the entire first visit and follow-up visits, was developed and refined. Results: The EMPATHY algorithm provides a step-by-step approach from the moment the patient arrives at reception, through the first visit and on to subsequent visits. This algorithm fills a critical gap in the existing guidelines by specifically addressing how to foster empathy during psoriasis patient visits within time-limited consultations. The algorithm outlines patient-centered strategies at each visit. Key aspects include creating a welcoming environment, active listening, respecting privacy, tailoring communication styles, and managing patient expectations. Conclusions: The EMPATHY algorithm represents a novel and promising approach to improving patient care and well-being in moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Developed together by dermatologists and a psychologist, this algorithm offers healthcare providers practical guidance for managing both initial and follow-up patient visits. While further validation is necessary, the potential for adapting the EMPATHY algorithm to diverse healthcare settings and patient populations holds promise for improving patient outcomes across various chronic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ribociclib is approved for hormone receptor positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2−) advanced breast cancer (ABC) treatment, in combination with endocrine therapy. Hematological, hepatic, and cardiac adverse events (AEs) emerged from pivotal trials, but little is known about cutaneous adverse events (CAEs). Patients and Methods We report data from a retrospective cohort study of all patients with HR+/HER2− ABC treated with ribociclib at Humanitas Cancer Center between June 2017 and December 2022. We recorded clinical-pathological data, the incidence, and treatment of ribociclib-related CAEs. These were evaluated according to the NCI-CTCAE v5.0 classification. Progression-free survival (PFS) was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test was used to analyze differences between groups. Results Thirteen of 91 patients (14.3%) experienced treatment-related CAEs (mean time to the occurrence: 3.9 months). The most frequent CAEs were eczematous dermatitis (53.8%) and maculo-papular reaction (15.4%). Itch was reported by all 13 patients. The grade was G3 in 8 cases, G2 in 4, and G1 in 1. An integrated approach based on ribociclib dose modulation and dermatological interventions (oral antihistamine, moisturized cream, topical, and/or systemic steroids) could prevent ribociclib discontinuation in most patients. At a median follow-up of 20 months, the median PFS was 13 months (range, 1-66) with a better PFS curves for patients experiencing CAEs (P  = .04). Conclusion We mapped frequency and types of ribociclib-induced CAEs. An interdisciplinary management of CAEs incorporated into routine care may reduce the rate of drug discontinuation thus potentially contributing to better long-term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nationwide cross-sectional online survey was administered to dermatologists managing patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis across Italy to obtain real-world dermatologists' perspectives on the impact of psoriasis and its treatment on patients' daily lives and quality of life (QoL). A total of 91 dermatologists (aged 39.1 ± 11.2 years) completed a 31-question survey and workshop sessions were undertaken in order to identify the best management approach to achieve patient wellbeing. Social (4.2 ± 0.1), physical (4.26 ± 0.2) and mental components (4.1 ± 0.3) were rated by dermatologists as contributing to patient wellbeing to similar extents. While a high proportion (85.4%; rating of 4.3 out of 5) of dermatologists felt that they considered the QoL of patients, a lower proportion (69.6%; rating of 3.7 out of 5) felt that patients were satisfied in this regard. The psoriasis area and severity index and body surface area were the instruments most frequently used to assess the physical domain, while interviews/questions and the dermatology life quality index were used to assess social and mental domains, with only 60% of dermatologists following up on these aspects. The importance of investigating the presence of comorbidities was recognized but not always carried out by many dermatologists, (>70%), particularly for obesity and anxiety/depression. This survey identified key components contributing to barriers impacting on the QoL of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis from the perspective of the dermatologist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palmoplantar psoriasis (PP) is a type of psoriasis that involves the skin of the palms and soles and can present as hyperkeratotic, similar to the vulgaris psoriasis of the body. Apremilast, as an oral inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), is currently approved for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis and for moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis in adult patients who have not responded or have contraindications or do not tolerate other systemic treatments. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of apremilast in the treatment of non‐pustular palmo‐plantar psoriasis in a cohort of 12 patients. We found a clinical response of clear/almost clear palmoplantar psoriasis (PPPGA score 0/1) in 83.33% of our patients, at week 16. No significant safety issues were reported and none of our patients had to discontinue the drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scalp is a frequent localization of psoriasis that has a massive impact on patient's quality of life. Managing this psoriasis' manifestation is often challenging, thus biologic drugs are widely used as a treatment option in refractory scalp psoriasis. The aim of our study is to retrospectively compare the efficacy of anti‐interleukin (IL) 23 drugs (guselkumab, tildrakizumab, risankizumab) and anti‐IL17 or anti‐IL17RA biologics (secukinumab, ixekizumab, and brodalumab) in real‐life patients affected by scalp psoriasis. One hundred twenty‐seven patients with a clinical diagnosis of scalp psoriasis and a baseline scalp Physician Global Assessment ≥3 were enrolled; 65 patients were treated with anti‐IL23 and anti‐IL62 with anti‐IL17 or anti‐IL17RA. Statistical analysis trough χ2 test was performed in order to evaluate the percentage of response among the two groups of patients. Responders' percentage of patients under anti‐IL23 was 41.5%, 75.4%, 88.1%, 87.5%, 93.7%, and 100% at Week 4, 16, 48, 96, and 144, respectively. In the group on anti‐IL17 was 62.9%, 90.3%, 91.2%, 97.3%, 96.9%, and 95.2% at Week 4, 16, 48, 96, and 144, respectively. Both anti‐IL17 and anti‐IL23 appeared to be effective on scalp psoriasis; in particular patients treated with anti‐IL17 drugs reached a faster significant reduction of the lesions; on the other hand, anti‐IL23 monoclonal antibodies were slightly superior in maintaining the clinical improvement through the follow‐up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]