[Efficacy of infliximab in patients with moderate and severe psoriasis treated with infliximab (Remicade)].
BACKGROUND
Psoriasis has a moderate or severe course in 25% of patients, requiring systemic therapy that is not always successful. Infliximab is a human-murine monoclonal anti tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-alpha) antibody. This mediator has a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use of infliximab in psoriatic patients resistant to conventional therapies.


METHODS
An open prospective study including eight patients with extensive plaque or erythrodermic psoriasis. They were treated with infliximab 5 mg/kg/dose on weeks 0,2 and 6. Patients were evaluated every 2 weeks for a median lapse of 50.1 weeks. Physical examination, PASI scores (Psoriasis Area Severity Index) and a photographic control, were done in each visit.


RESULTS
All the patients responded in the first 10 weeks of follow-up. The mean reduction in PASI score was 86.6%. Six patients received fourth infusion of infliximab at 37.3 weeks, on average. The most common adverse events were pruritus and headache.


CONCLUSIONS
This group of patients with extensive plaque or erythrodermic psoriasis resistant to conventional therapies, had a good response to infliximab.
Valdés A
María Del Pilar
Mdel P
Departamento de Dermatología, Hospital Clínico, Universidad de ChileChile.
Schroeder H
Francisca
F
Roizen G
Vicky
V
Honeyman M
Juan
J
Sánchez M
Leonardo
L