Consensus Document on the Evaluation and Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis. Spanish Psoriasis Group of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology

Abstract

The treatment of psoriasis has been revolutionized by the introduction of biologic agents; these agents achieve skin clearance and long-term improvement without the risk of toxicity that has limited use of the traditional systemic treatments. The role of systemic treatment in the management of psoriasis is being reviewed on the basis of a large volume of scientific evidence on the efficacy and safety of biologic agents, and new therapeutic goals and strategies are being devised for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. This has led to the need to establish severity criteria that will provide the rationale for the indication of the different systemic agents currently available for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis, as well as therapeutic goals, efficacy measures, therapeutic strategies, screening protocols, and choice of treatment based on the risk-benefit ratio of the different agents. These criteria must be established through consensus by experienced dermatologists and based on available scientific evidence. The present document reflects the consensus of the Spanish Psoriasis Group on these different issues in the management of moderate to severe psoriasis.