Efficacy and safety of fumaric acid esters in the long-term treatment of psoriasis--a retrospective study (FUTURE).
BACKGROUND
This study collected data on the safety and efficacy of fumaric acid esters (FAE; Fumaderm) in the long-term treatment of psoriasis.


METHODS
Patients were included at 163 dermatological centers if they either had been treated continuously with FAE for at least 24 months, or for 36 months with interruptions of no longer than 6 months. Data were reported from baseline, after 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 or more months of therapy. Safety parameters were monitored and the severity of skin symptoms was assessed by "Physician's Global Assessment" (PGA) and "Psoriasis Area and Severity Index" (PASI).


RESULTS
984 patients were included with a mean duration of 44 months of continuous treatment. The percentage of patients documented as markedly improved or clear was 67 % after six months, 78 % after 24 months, and 82 % after 36 months of therapy. Improvement was similar in patients with moderate and severe disease. Changes of laboratory parameters were usually insignificant and did not require a modification of FAE treatment in more than 90 % of the cases.


CONCLUSIONS
In the long-term treatment of patients with moderate and severe psoriasis FAE show a good and sustained clinical efficacy combined with a favorable safety profile.
Reich
Kristian
K
Dermatologikum Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany. reich@dermatologikum.de
Thaci
Diamant
D
Mrowietz
Ulrich
U
Kamps
Anja
A
Neureither
Marcus
M
Luger
Thomas
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000069462:Dimethyl Fumarate; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005650:Fumarates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D005650:Fumarates; D000069462:Dimethyl Fumarate