title: Etanercept at different dosages in the treatment of generalized pustular psoriasis: a case series.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. espositomaria@virgilio.it
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Esposito
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mazzotta
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Casciello
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chimenti
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000068800:Etanercept