Clinical efficacy of etanercept for the treatment of psoriasis

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy profile of etanercept,a recombinant human type Ⅱ tumor necrosis factor receptor-Fc fusion protein,in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.Methods A retrospective study was performed.This study included 24 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis vulgaris resistant to conventional therapy.They were treated with subcutaneous injection of etanercept 25 mg twice weekly for three months during February 2008 and August 2011.Six months of follow up was carried out.Clinical efficacy was evaluated by psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and physician global assessment (PGA).Results After 24-week treatment,12 (50％) patients achieved a 75％ reduction in PASI score,1 (4.2％) patient failed to respond.Adverse reaction,such as erythematous swelling at the injection site,was observed in 4 patients.Conclusion Anti-tumor necrosis factor may be effective for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis recalcitrant to traditional therapy.