Managing pediatric patients with psoriasis.
Childhood-onset psoriasis affects approximately one-third of the psoriatic population. Among many potential treatments of childhood psoriasis, biological agents are emerging as a valuable option in the management of this disease. In Europe, etanercept has recently been approved for children aged 8 years and over. Data from a well-designed clinical trial indicate that in children, etanercept effectively reduces psoriasis symptoms, with beneficial effects evident as early as 4 weeks after the initiation of treatment. Etanercept is well tolerated; adverse effects are typically mild to moderate in severity. Early data from other biological agents are promising.
Bard
Susan
S
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
Torchia
Daniele
D
Schachner
Lawrence A
LA
D002648:Child; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D017277:Drug Approval; D000068800:Etanercept; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D000068800:Etanercept