Etanercept at different dosages in the treatment of generalized pustular psoriasis: a case series.
BACKGROUND
Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a severe and disabling variant of psoriasis. The treatment of GPP is challenging, often characterized by side effects or unsatisfactory response. Etanercept is a tumor necrosis factor alpha blocking agent that demonstrated a consistent efficacy in the control of psoriasis.


OBJECTIVE
We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of etanercept at different dosages in GPP.


METHODS
Six patients affected by GPP, unresponsive to conventional treatment, received etanercept subcutaneously at the dosages of 25 and 50 mg biweekly for 48 weeks.


RESULTS
Our experience led to the observation that the administration of etanercept 50 mg biweekly is an effective dosage, characterized by good efficacy and rapidity of effect. Patients who were continuously treated at this dosage for 24 weeks presented stable conditions and long-term maintenance until week 48 even after a dose reduction to 25 mg.


CONCLUSIONS
We demonstrated a good and durable efficacy of etanercept in patients affected by GPP.
Esposito
M
M
Department of Dermatology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. espositomaria@virgilio.it
Mazzotta
A
A
Casciello
C
C
Chimenti
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D000068800:Etanercept; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000068800:Etanercept