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Switching of biologic agents in treatment of plaque psoriasis is a common strategy. Only a few studies are available on switching between IL17A-blockers. In a retrospective study, we identified 22 psoriasis patients who, after failing secukinumab as a first IL17A-blocker received ixekizumab with an observation period of at least 24 weeks. At last observation 10/22 patients had a good response (PASI75 or PASI

Biologic switching is common in psoriasis patients with non-response to or adverse events under therapy with a biologic. However, evidence on efficacy of switching between newly approved biologics of similar mode of action is scarce. The objective was to assess the efficacy of treating psoriasis patients with an IL-17-receptor A antagonist after failure of any IL-17A antagonist and to identify predictors of treatment response. A retrospective multicenter chart review on psoriasis patients who received brodalumab after failure of ixekizumab or secukinumab therapy was conducted in five German University Medical centers. Overall, 23 patients were identified. PASI75 response to brodalumab was reached by 47.8% (11/23) of all patients at week 12 and at week 24. 3 patients experienced mild adverse events which did not lead to drug discontinuation. Brodalumab appears to be an efficacious and safe treatment option in psoriasis patients with prior exposure to IL-17A antagonists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non‐adherence to medication is a challenging problem in daily clinical practice. Objective: To assess reasons for non‐adherence in patients with chronic immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) in a direct comparison including evaluation of treatment necessity and concerns. Methods: ALIGN was a non‐interventional, multicountry, multicentre, self‐administered, cross‐sectional, epidemiologic survey study. Here, we investigate the German, Austrian and Swiss (DACH) cohort. Six hundred thirty‐one patients with different IMIDs (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) under systemic therapies were evaluated concerning adherence, beliefs of necessity and concerns towards treatment in patients with IMIDs. Results: The DACH cohort had significantly different levels of adherence depending on the IMID (P < 0.05) and the type of therapy (P < 0.05). Based on the significant influence of concerns on treatment adherence (P < 0.05) and the high belief of treatment necessity, patients could be classified in four attitudinal segments, which were unequally distributed throughout various IMIDs. High concerns had a significant influence on non‐adherence, whereas necessity did not. Older age, female sex, TNFi mono‐, conventional combination and TNFi combination therapy are positively associated with adherence. Conclusions: In the DACH region, patients are less concerned about medication and believe in the necessity of treatment. Therefore, we suggest adapting the communication in the various patient groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dry skin is a frequent and multifaceted condition which can be associated with skin irritation, itch, patient discomfort and manifest skin disease. In spite of being frequent, little is known about the epidemiology of dry skin in the population. Objective: To determine the prevalence of dry skin in the German adult population. Methods: Data of 48 630 employed persons were assessed on a cross‐sectional level in whole‐body examinations by experienced dermatologists during company‐based skin screenings conducted in 343 German companies. Next to the current dermatologic findings, age, gender, allergies, atopic diseases and the skin type were assessed. Results: In total, n = 14 300 persons (29.4%) were rated as having xerotic skin. Older age but not gender was associated with xerosis. In the regression analyses controlling for age and gender, dry skin was a significant predictor for: axillary dermatitis (OR: 4.51; CI 2.70–7.54), atopic eczema (OR: 3.99; CI 3.42–4.65), exsiccation eczema (OR: 2.96; CI 2.40–3.65), psoriasis (OR: 1.57; CI 1.38–1.78), plantar warts (OR: 1.42; CI 1.26–1.60), seborrhoeic dermatitis (OR: 1.28; CI 1.16–1.42) and atopic disposition (OR: 1.17; CI 1.12–1.22). Conclusion: Dry skin is a frequent condition in the adult general population and needs special attention. Known risk factors may facilitate identifying patients at risk for deterioration. Linked article: This is a commentary on M.‐Q. Man et al., pp. 15–16 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15374. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subcutaneous interferon-beta injections in patients with multiple sclerosis initiate inflammatory skin reactions by local chemokine induction. The rash was markedly pronounced at injection sites of interferon-beta (IFN- ) administered for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS; see Fig. We herein describe the case of a 33-year-old male patient who presented at our emergency department with concomitant flu symptoms and a maculopapular rash. [Extracted from the article]