Plaque psoriasis in children and adolescents – the role of etanercept

Abstract

Correspondence: Francesca Prignano Division of Clinical, Preventive and Oncology Dermatology, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Surgery, University of Florence, Piazza Indipendenza, 11 50129 Firenze, Italy Tel +39 055 693 9624 Fax +39 055 503 8506 Email francesca.prignano@unifi.it Background: 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 6 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 onset of therapy. The treatment is generally well tolerated; mild injection site reactions are the most common adverse events reported in the literature. Published data of etanercept use in children show promising results, but further clinical studies are necessary to confirm its long-term efficacy and safety.