Clinical predictors of non-response to any tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers: a retrospective study. (February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Di Lernia, Vito; Ricci, Cinzia; Lallas, Aimilios; Ficarelli, Elena
• Is Part Of: Journal of dermatological treatment. Volume 25:Number 1(2014:Feb.)
• Page Start: 73
• Page End: 74
• Publication Date: 2014-02
• Subjects: Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- drug therapy -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- therapy -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.3109/09546634.2013.800184
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-6634

Abstract

<abstract> <title /> <p> <italic>Background</italic>: Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α therapies represent a significant innovation in therapy for psoriasis. However, a significant number of psoriasis patients do not respond well to TNF blockers or show an insufficient control of disease activity on a long-term basis. <italic>Objective/aim:</italic> The aim of this study was to recognize specific clinical factors that could be associated with a non-response to any available TNF blockers in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. <italic>Materials and methods</italic>: The authors reviewed the medical records of all patients who had started etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab and had achieved a minimum of 24 months follow-up. The authors identified subjects who were not responsive to all available anti-TNF agents, whatever the chronology of their use. <italic>Results</italic>: A total of 110 patients were retrospectively examined. Thirteen patients were identified as "non-responders" to all available TNF-α blockers. Current smoking at the start of anti-TNF therapy was associated with non-response to TNF blockers. The group of "non-responders" presented a high mean body mass index and a high baseline PASI score with respect to the group of responders. <italic>Conclusions</italic>: The data showed that the majority of non-responder patients were smokers, overweight or obese and had a high baseline PASI score. Concomitant arthritis was not significantly associated with non-response.</p> </abstract>