Scalp Involvement Research Articles

Bimekizumab Efficacy in High-Impact Areas: Pooled 2-Year Analysis in Scalp, Nail, and Palmoplantar Psoriasis from Phase3/3b Randomized Controlled Trials.

Psoriasis in high-impact areas, including the scalp, nails, palms, and soles, can disproportionately impair patient quality of life. Here, we evaluate the 2-year efficacy of bimekizumab treatment in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in posthoc analyses of five phase3/3b trials. High-impact area efficacy data were pooled through 2years across five phase3/3b trials: BEVIVID, BEREADY, BESURE, their ongoing open-label extension (OLE) BEBRIGHT, and BERADIANT (including its double-blinded treatment period and the first year of its OLE). Complete clearance of psoriasis in high-impact areas is reported over 2years using the scalp Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA), palmoplantar IGA, and modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (mNAPSI). Patients included in these analyses had baseline moderate to severe scalp or palmoplantar involvement (scalp or palmoplantar IGA score ≥ 3) or mNAPSI score > 10. A total of 1107 patients were randomized to bimekizumab and entered the OLEs. Subsets of 821 patients had scalp IGA ≥ 3 at baseline, 377had mNAPSI > 10, and 193had palmoplantar IGA ≥ 3. Complete scalp clearance in patients with baseline scalp IGA ≥ 3 randomized to bimekizumab was achieved rapidly, with high responses sustained from first (86.4%) to second year (85.9%). Nail clearance responses in patients with baseline mNAPSI > 10 increased from 63.4% to 68.5% from first to second year. Palmoplantar clearance in patients with baseline palmoplantar IGA ≥ 3 was sustained from first (88.3%) to second year (89.8%). Similar trends were seen in the 374 patients who received bimekizumab 320mg every 4weeks (Q4W)/every 8weeks (Q8W) initial/maintenance dosing. In these analyses pooled across 2years, bimekizumab showed sustained efficacy in psoriasis in high-impact areas. NCT03370133, NCT03410992, NCT03412747, NCT03598790, NCT03536884.

Ixekizumab Improves Nail, Scalp, and Skin Response and Quality of Life Independent of Baseline Psoriasis Severity: Results From the Psoriasis in Special Areas (PSoSA) Study

Background: Ixekizumab has shown impressive efficacy among patients with nail, skin, and scalp psoriasis. Here, we present real-world data from the PSoSA study evaluating effectiveness of ixekizumab by cohorts of patients with mild and moderate/severe nail psoriasis. Methods: PSoSA is an ongoing, prospective, multicenter, single-arm, observational study enrolling adult patients with confirmed diagnosis of moderate-to-severe psoriasis and nail involvement, with or without scalp involvement, initiating ixekizumab in a US dermatology clinic. Assessment of improvements in nail (by modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index [mNAPSI], with scoring range 0–130), skin (by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [PASI], with scoring range 0–72), and scalp (by Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index [PSSI], with scoring range 0–72) response and in quality of life (by Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI], with scoring range 0–30) were collected at weeks (W) 4, 12, 24, and 52. Percent change was calculated for patients with non-missing baseline values. Data were stratified by nail psoriasis severity at baseline; patients with mNAPSI scores <20 were categorized as mild while those with scores ≥20 were categorized as moderate/severe. In our second interim analysis, we will be reporting data to W24. Results: Of 182 patients included in the analysis, 101 patients had baseline mNAPSI scores <20 and 81 had scores ≥20. Median percent changes from baseline in mNAPSI response at W4, W12, and W24 were −12.2, −33.3, and −71.9, respectively, for patients with baseline scores <20 and −6.1, −38.7, and −68.6, respectively, for patients with scores ≥20. Median percent changes from baseline in PASI response at W4, W12, and W24 were −60.0, −91.2, and −100.0, respectively, for patients with baseline mNAPSI scores <20 and −62.7, −91.4, and −96.7, respectively, for patients with scores ≥20. Median percent changes from baseline in PSSI response at W4, W12, and W24 were −79.3, −100.0, and −100.0, respectively, for patients with baseline mNAPSI scores <20 and −87.5, −100.0, and −100.0, respectively, for patients with scores ≥20. Median percent changes from baseline in DLQI response at W4, W12, and W24 were −66.7, −77.8, and −89.7, respectively for patients with baseline mNAPSI scores <20, and −57.1, −70.0, and −88.7, respectively, for patients with scores ≥20. Conclusions: In a real-world setting, patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis initiating ixekizumab saw major improvements in nail, skin, and scalp response as well as quality of life as early as 4 weeks and sustained through 24 weeks, independent of nail psoriasis severity at baseline.

Efficacy of Deucravacitinib in Plaque Psoriasis Across a Range of Body Surface Area Involvement: Post hoc Analysis of the Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 3b/4 PSORIATYK SCALP Trial

Introduction: Deucravacitinib, an oral, selective, allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor, is approved in the US, EU, and other countries for treatment of adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy. Scalp involvement affects approximately 80% of patients with plaque psoriasis. PSORIATYK SCALP (NCT05478499) is an ongoing, 52-week, multicenter, phase 3b/4 trial evaluating deucravacitinib in patients with moderate to severe scalp psoriasis, including those with a range of total body surface area (BSA) involvement (≥3%). These patients are candidates for systemic therapy, according to the AAD/NPF and IPC treatment guidelines. This post hoc analysis assessed efficacy in overall body psoriasis. Methods: Adults (age ≥18 years) with moderate to severe scalp psoriasis (scalp-specific Physician Global Assessment [PGA] ≥3, scalp surface area involvement ≥20%, and Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index ≥12 at baseline) and BSA involvement ≥3% were eligible for inclusion. Patients were randomized 1:2 to oral placebo (n=51) or deucravacitinib 6 mg once daily (n=103) through Week 16. Stratification factors included prior biologic use and body weight. Outcomes at Week 16 included static PGA score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) (sPGA 0/1), change from baseline in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), and change from baseline in whole-body itch numeric rating scale (NRS). Nonresponder imputation (binary outcomes) and modified baseline observation carried forward (continuous outcomes) were used for patients with missing data. All P values are nominal. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups (deucravacitinib: mean [SD], BSA 10.5% [9.6%], PASI 10.2 [6.7], whole-body itch NRS 5.8 [2.8]; placebo: mean [SD], BSA 10.0% [8.1%], PASI 9.4 [5.6], whole-body itch NRS 5.8 [2.4]). Baseline total BSA involvement was 3%-10% in most patients (deucravacitinib, 68.0%; placebo, 74.5%). At Week 16, a significantly higher proportion of patients receiving deucravacitinib versus placebo achieved sPGA 0/1 (47.6% [95% CI, 37.6%-57.6%] vs 3.9% [0.5%-13.5%], respectively; P<0.0001). Similarly, patients treated with deucravacitinib achieved greater decreases in adjusted mean change from baseline in PASI (−6.4 [95% CI, −7.3 to −5.5] vs −1.3 [−2.6 to −0.1]; P<0.0001) and whole-body itch NRS (−2.9 [−3.4 to −2.4] vs −0.4 [−1.1 to 0.3]; P<0.0001). Conclusion: In the phase 3b/4 PSORIATYK SCALP trial, deucravacitinib was efficacious in improving overall psoriasis. Efficacy was consistent with the results observed in the phase 3 POETYK PSO-1/PSO-2 trials, despite including patients with less extensive total BSA involvement.

Associations Between Skin Microbiome and Metabolome in the Pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis Patients With Scalp Involvement.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition influenced by various factors, such as the skin microbiome and metabolome. However, specific contributions of these factors to scalp involvement in AD still need to be explored. In this study, we aimed to assess the associations between the skin microbiome and metabolome in AD patients with scalp dermatitis and healthy controls (HCs). A total of 20 AD patients with scalp involvement and 16 HCs were recruited, and their skin samples were collected for analysis. Bioinformatic analysis and 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing were performed, with gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) conducted for AD-associated skin metabolites. Spearman correlation analysis was used to identify the correlations between AD-associated skin bacteria and metabolites. The results revealed significant differences in bacterial taxa and metabolites between the lesional and non-lesional scalp skin samples of AD patients (groups LS and NL, respectively) and those of HCs (group HC). Notably, group LS showed a significantly increased relative abundance of the genus Staphylococcus and a decreased abundance of Cutibacterium compared to group HC. The reduced abundance of Cutibacterium was also observed when comparing LS to NL. The GC-TOF-MS analysis identified 33 significantly decreased metabolites and 17 significantly increased metabolites in groups LS and NL compared with group HC. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed that amino acid-related metabolism was significantly altered in the metabolic pathway between groups LS, NL, and HC. Furthermore, Spearman correlation analysis showed significant correlations of the altered bacteria genera and skin metabolites between the 3 groups. The results of this research provide valuable insights into the associations the skin microbiome and metabolome between groups LS, NL, and HC. Identifying these specific contributions may offer new avenues for understanding the pathogenesis of scalp involvement in AD patients and potentially lead to improving management strategies.

The Role of Moist Dressings in the Management of Herpes Zoster With Scalp Involvement: A Case Report.

Comprehensive management, including antivirals and pain control, is crucial for mitigating complications and improving patient outcomes in herpes zoster. Moist wound dressings, specifically hydrocoll, effectively reduce pain, and promote healing in herpes zoster with scalp involvement, as demonstrated in the case of a 76-year-old male.

A large-scale retrospective study in China explores risk factors for disease severity in plaque psoriasis

Severe psoriasis has a long course and poor outcome, and it has long been a problem for patients. Understanding the independent risk factors that contribute to patients with severe psoriasis is critical for the development of effective treatment strategies. This large, multicenter study recruited 2,109 plaque psoriasis patients from 12 hospitals across China (October 31, 2019 – May 31, 2022). The logistic regression model underwent internal validation and external validation using two independent cohorts over future time periods (June 1, 2022 – January 31, 2023). The discriminative power of our model was substantiated by a C-index of 0.863 (95% CI: 0.848–0.879) in internal validation, further affirmed through 1,000 bootstrap validation (C-index: 0.860, 95% CI: 0.836–0.885) and external validation cohorts, where the C-index reached up to 0.910 (95% CI: 0.868–0.953) and 0.951 (95% CI: 0.924–0.977) in 2 external validation cohorts. To enhance accessibility for clinicians, the model has been made available as a dynamic nomogram and QR code. Our study identified 10 risk factors (the “DELPHI” consensus dichotomy, the DLQI index, the extent of skin involvement as measured by body surface area, the age of the patient at the time of clinical visit, sex, body weight in kilograms, career, the presence of scalp involvement, facial involvement, and arthropathy) for the overall severity of psoriasis (PASI ≥ 10). “Nomogram-10” provides clinicians with a practical tool to develop personalized intervention strategies based on an individual’s risk profile.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1900024852.

Psoriatic nail involvement in Malaysia: A 14-year registry review (2007-2020)

Nail psoriasis affects 20% to 30% of psoriasis patients and is an early predictor of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). We evaluated the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and impact on quality of life of patients with nail psoriasis. We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients registered with The Malaysian Psoriasis Registry from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2020. Of the 24,147 patients, 13,081 (54.2%) had nail psoriasis. Patients with nail psoriasis had later onset of psoriasis (34.0 ± 16.6 years vs 32.9 ± 17.6 years, P < .001) and longer disease duration (11.4 ± 10.5 years vs 8.5 ± 9.4 years, P < .01), with a man-to-woman ratio of 1.2:1. They were more likely to have a family history of psoriasis, cardiometabolic diseases, smoking history, higher body mass index, severe disease, PsA, face and scalp involvement, and higher mean Dermatology Life Quality Index scores (9.36 ± 6.84 vs 8.87 ± 6.60). Systemic treatment and biologics were more commonly prescribed in this cohort (25.0% vs 13.2%, P < .001). Overall, 54.2% of the Malaysian Psoriasis Registry patients had nail involvement. Nail psoriasis was associated with longer duration of psoriasis, older age of onset, male sex, and a family history of psoriasis. It proved to be an important predictor for PsA, severe psoriasis, face and scalp involvement, increased cardiometabolic risk, and a greater impairment of quality of life.

51480 Efficacy of apremilast in adults with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis with scalp involvement: Pooled data from PROMINENT, ADVANCE, and EMBRACE trials

51480 Efficacy of apremilast in adults with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis with scalp involvement: Pooled data from PROMINENT, ADVANCE, and EMBRACE trials

Topical immunotherapy with diphenylcyclopropenone in paediatric patients with alopecia areata-A retrospective study of 97 patients.

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease causing chronic non-scarring hair loss. Different therapeutic regimens have been suggested for AA, which depend on patients' age, scalp involvement extent and duration. Topical immunotherapy with diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) is one of the treatment options for these patients. We aimed to investigate the response to DPCP in paediatric AA patients. This retrospective study included 97 paediatric AA patients followed in the DPCP clinic from March 2016 to March 2021 at a referral dermatology hospital. In a cohort of 97 paediatric patients with AA under treatment with DPCP, with a mean age of 11.10±0.9, 53.6% of the patients were male. Patchy alopecia was the most prevalent type (45.4%). After 6months of DPCP treatment, 51.5% showed no response, while 3.1% achieved complete response. At the 12-month evaluation, among the 68 patients who continued treatment, complete response was observed in 8.8%. A significant positive correlation was found between alopecia type, specifically patchy, and treatment response (p=0.031). Additionally, treatment duration emerged as a significant predictor of positive response at both six (OR 1.450, p=0.026) and 12months (OR 1.310, p=0.043). A higher initial Severity of Alopecia Tool score was inversely correlated with treatment response (Spearman's rho -0.14, p=0.002), indicating that initial disease severity may predict treatment efficacy. One year after the onset of DPCP in paediatric AA patients, the complete response and any hair regrowth rates were 8.8% and 61.8%, respectively. The milder initial disease severity and longer duration of treatment resulted in a better response.

Benefits Over Five Years of Ixekizumab Treatment in Patients With Psoriasis Involving Challenging Body Areas.

Psoriasis involving challenging body areas, such as the scalp, face, palmoplantar surfaces, or nails, can be challenging to treat and negatively affects patient outcomes. To assess clear responses and cumulative clinical benefits over 5 years of ixekizumab treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in patients with and without baseline involvement of challenging body areas. This post hoc analysis included patients treated with ixekizumab in the UNCOVER-3 trial. We assessed PASI100 responses through the week (W) 264 and cumulative clinical benefits at W264 (calculated as least-squares mean of the percentage of maximum area under the curve for PASI100 and PASI% improvement and expressed as cumulative clearance days). Statistical differences were calculated via ANCOVA. A total of 385 patients were analyzed: 349 with scalp involvement, 152 with facial involvement, 96 with palmoplantar involvement, and 229 with nail involvement. Proportions of patients achieving PASI100 were numerically similar between patients with and without scalp and nail involvement. More patients without facial and palmoplantar involvement achieved PASI100 at W60 (only palmoplantar), W108, W156, W204, and W264 (only palmoplantar). At W264, cumulative clinical benefits for PASI100 and PASI% improvement were high and similar in both patient groups, with and without challenging body areas. A significant difference (P=0.006) was only observed for PASI% improvement between patients with and without nail involvement. For most efficacy measures, patients treated with ixekizumab over 5 years achieved similar clear responses and cumulative clinical benefits regardless of baseline involvement of challenging body areas. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(8):619-625.&nbsp; doi:10.36849/JDD.8160.

Characterization of scalp involvement in dermatomyositis based on myositis-specific antibody subsets

Characterization of scalp involvement in dermatomyositis based on myositis-specific antibody subsets

Porokeratosis Ptychotropica With Scalp Involvement: A Case Report

Porokeratosis Ptychotropica With Scalp Involvement: A Case Report

Efficacy of Deucravacitinib, an Oral, Selective, Allosteric Tyrosine Kinase 2 (TYK2) Inhibitor, in Scalp Psoriasis by Baseline Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Baseline Body Surface Area (BSA): A Subanalysis of the Phase 3 Clinical Trial Data

Introduction: Deucravacitinib, an oral, selective, allosteric TYK2 inhibitor, is approved in the US, EU, and other countries for treatment of adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy. Deucravacitinib was effective and well tolerated in the global, 52-week, phase 3 POETYK PSO-1 (NCT03624127) and POETYK PSO-2 (NCT03611751) trials. Here, efficacy of deucravacitinib in scalp psoriasis was evaluated by baseline severity of psoriasis in the trial patients with scalp involvement. Methods: Patients with moderate to severe scalp involvement (scalp-specific Physician Global Assessment [ss-PGA] ≥3) at baseline were included in this analysis. Efficacy outcomes (ss-PGA 0/1 and Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index [PSSI] 90) were reported through Week 24 (pooled PSO-1/PSO-2, before PSO-2 rerandomization, n=514) and Week 52 (PSO-1, continuous deucravacitinib treatment, n=192). Outcomes were stratified by baseline PASI score 12-&lt;15 (low) or ≥15 (high) and baseline BSA involvement 10%-≤15% (low) or &gt;15% (high). Results: ss-PGA 0/1 response rates were high and slightly greater in the high versus low PASI subgroup at Week 24 (65.8% and 58.3%, respectively) and Week 52 (73.5% and 60.0%). Similarly, PSSI 90 response rates were high and also somewhat greater in the high versus low PASI subgroup at Week 24 (55.3% and 45.8%) and Week 52 (66.0% and 53.3%). Across the 2 baseline BSA subgroups, ss-PGA 0/1 and PSSI 90 response rates were comparable at Weeks 24 and 52. Conclusion: Deucravacitinib treatment was effective in patients with scalp involvement in psoriasis regardless of overall baseline disease severity.

Relationship of psoriatic arthritis with nail and scalp involvement in Turkish psoriasis patients: Multicentered cross-sectional study.

Psoriasis is a common multisystem inflammatory disease, and arthritis is an essential component of the disorder, requiring early diagnosis and prompt treatment for successful management. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between nail and scalp involvement and other covariates with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This cross-sectional study, conducted from June 2021 through December 2021, included 763 patients from 11 different centers in Turkey. The severity of involvement was evaluated using psoriasis area severity index (PASI), nail psoriasis severity index (NAPSI), and psoriasis scalp severity index (PSSI) scores. Predictors for PsA were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. PsA (n = 155, 21.5%) was significantly more common in patients having a family history of psoriasis (43.2% vs 30.9%, P = .004), nail involvement (68.4% vs 52.3%, P < .001), and coexistence of nail and scalp involvement (53.7% vs 39.6%, P = .002). Furthermore, patients with PsA had considerably higher PASI (7 vs 5.6, P = .006), NAPSI (5 vs 2, P < .001), and PSSI scores (7 vs 4, P = .002) and longer disease duration (months) (126 vs 108, P = .009). In multivariate analysis, female gender [OR: 3.01, 95% CI (1.861-4.880), P < .001], nail involvement [OR: 2.06, 95% CI (1.293-3.302), P = .002)], and body mass index (BMI) [OR: 1.06, 95% CI (1.017-1.100), P = .005] were identified as independent predictors for PsA. Female gender, nail involvement, and high BMI are significant predictors for PsA and warrant detailed rheumatological assessment. Notably, being female is the strongest predictor of increased risk of PsA in our survey. Scalp involvement appears not to be associated with PsA. Also, the presence of PsA seems related to a more severe skin involvement phenotype.

Phenotypic differences in clinical manifestations of generalized pustular psoriasis and severe plaque psoriasis in tropical Taiwan

Abstract Background: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is an uncommon variant of psoriasis. Clinical characteristics of GPP are limited due to its relatively low prevalence worldwide. Thus, the region-specific phenotypic differences between GPP and severe plaque psoriasis (SPP) remained not fully clarified. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the gender distribution, disease onset, clinical features, medical comorbidities, associated symptoms, laboratory findings, and potential precipitating factors of GPP and SPP in a single center in tropical Taiwan. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted for GPP and SPP in a tertiary medical center from 2003 to 2023. The GPP Area and Severity Index (GPPASI) and GPP Physician Global Assessment (GPPGA) score were used to measure the severity of GPP. Results: A total of 26 patients with GPP (mean age: 48.2 years) and 50 patients with SPP (defined as psoriasis area and severity index over 20 and undergoing biological agents more than 1 year, mean age: 41.3 years) were included in this study. Forty-six percentage of the GPP patients had a preceding history of psoriasis. While there was no gender or age predominance, patients with GPP tended to develop fever, hypertension, upper respiratory tract infection, leukocytosis, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, scalp involvement, be hospitalized and for a long time, along with allergy history of medications (diclofenac, ampicillin, and ceftriaxone), as compared to those with SPP. Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections were less prevalent in GPP patients (with 15.4% and 3.8%, compared to 30.0% and 8.0% in SPP, respectively, although not statistically significant). The highest GPPASI and GPPGA scores occurred in young patients of GPP, but they are not associated with diseases of hypertension, hyperglycemia, or hyperlipidemia. Conclusion: Patients with GPP in Taiwan tended to have a higher hospitalization rate and longer mean hospitalization time along with increased occurrence of fever, leukocytosis, elevated CRP levels, and drug allergy. The younger patients of GPP tended to have higher GPPASI and GPPGA scores than the elder ones.

Psychosocial and mental impact of alopecia areata: Analysis of the Danish Skin Cohort

AbstractImportanceAlopecia areata (AA) carries a psychological burden for patients beyond hair loss. However, quality‐of‐life measurement tools such as EQ‐5D used in clinical trials may not adequately capture the burden of AA, the perceived stigmatization or the psychosocial impact of AA.ObjectiveTo investigate the potential association between disease severity and the degree of social isolation, perceived stigmatization, anxiety and depression, alcohol consumption and work absenteeism using multiple PRO measures in patients with AA.Design, Setting and ParticipantsUsing the Danish Skin Cohort, the study included adult patients diagnosed with AA. The study included multiple PRO measures, including Skindex‐16, EQ‐5D‐5L, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test‐Consumption (AUDIT‐C) and the Alopecia Areata Symptom Impact Scale (AASIS). The questionnaires were dispatched to the patients in January 2023. The severity of AA was determined based on scalp involvement using a modified Alopecia Areata Scale. Multiple multivariate linear regressions were conducted using Skindex‐16, AASIS and WPAI, while multivariate logistic regressions were applied to HADS, AUDIT‐C and EQ‐5D‐5L.ResultsA total of 376 patients were included, of which 177 (47%) had severe disease, 41 (11%) had moderate disease, 94 (25%) had mild disease, and 64 (17%) were in remission. The median age of patients was 55 (IQR, 47–66 years) and most were female (70%). Skindex‐16 and AASIS were the only PRO measures able to distinguish between severity. For these scores, moderate and severe diseases, female sex, and involvement of eyebrows increased the score and negatively impacted patient quality of life.Conclusion and RelevanceThe results indicate the importance of using the proper tool for the intended measurement of quality of life and that factors such as the severity of AA, as well as female sex and involvement of the eyebrows, may potentially increase the psychosocial burden of AA.

Imaging findings in Giant Cell Arteritis: Don't Turn A Blind Eye To The Obvious!

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common primary large vessel systemic vasculitis in the western world. Even though the involvement of scalp and intracranial vessels has received much attention in the neuroradiology literature, GCA, being a systemic vasculitis can involve multiple other larger vessels including aorta and its major head and neck branches. Herein, the authors present a pictorial review of the various cranial, extracranial and orbital manifestations of GCA. An increased awareness of this entity may help with timely and accurate diagnosis, helping expedite therapy and preventing serious complications.ABBREVIATIONS: ACR= American College of Rheumatology, AION= Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy, EULAR= European League Against Rheumatism, GCA= Giant Cell Arteritis, LV-GCA= Large vessel GCA, PMR= Polymyalgia Rheumatica, US= Ultrasound, VWI= Vessel Wall Imaging.

Trichoscopic features in scalp dermatomyositis

Scalp involvement in Dermatomyositis (DM) represents a diagnostic challenge. Its clinical presentation is often atypical, and can be observed in other collagenosis. In this report, we outline the trichoscopic signs of two cases of DM of the Scalp (SDM).

Consistent Efficacy of Apremilast in Patients with Psoriasis Regardless of Baseline Disease Severity or Special Area Involvement: Subgroup Analysis from PROMINENT.

Psoriasis involvement in special areas (e.g., scalp or nails) is associated with a great disease burden yet it is often inadequately treated with topical treatments. The efficacy and tolerability of apremilast plus existing topical therapy in Japanese patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis were demonstrated in PROMINENT, a phase 3b, multicenter, open-label, single-arm study. We evaluated the efficacy of apremilast across disease severities and special areas involved in these patients. In PROMINENT, patients received apremilast 30mg twice daily for 16weeks in addition to their existing topical therapy, with the option of topical therapy reduction at the discretion of their physician while continuing apremilast treatment from Weeks 16 to 32. We performed a post hoc analysis, assessing apremilast efficacy and safety in Japanese patients stratified by baseline static Physician Global Assessment (sPGA) score (2 [mild] or 3 [moderate]) and special area involvement. Of patients with baseline sPGA = 2 and sPGA = 3, 62.7% and 30.7%, respectively, achieved sPGA score 0 or 1 at Week 32. At Week 32, improvements in skin, nail, scalp, and quality of life assessments were observed regardless of baseline sPGA score. Improvements in these endpoints at Week 32 were also observed in patients with special area (scalp or nail) involvement (n = 134). Incidence of adverse events was similar between patients with baseline sPGA = 2 and sPGA = 3. Apremilast in combination with topical therapy may be a beneficial treatment for Japanese patients, who have limited systemic treatment options for mild to moderate psoriasis or psoriasis in special areas. NCT03930186.

A Real-Life 208 Week Single-Centred, Register-Based Retrospective Study Assessing Secukinumab Survival and Long-Term Efficacy and Safety Among Greek Patients with Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis, Including Difficult-to-Treat Manifestations Such as Genitals and Scalp.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with multiple skin manifestations, and in case of lesions affecting the genital area, sexual health impairment and psychological distress can furthermore impair the patients quality of life. Secukinumab is a fully humanized immunoglobulin G1 kappa antagonist of IL-17A and is indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis, since it shows a significant efficacy in clinical outcomes, with rapid onset of remission, prolonged treatment response rate, advantageous safety profile and a valuable improvement of the patients quality of life. This study was conducted in order to gather retrospective real-world data regarding the efficacy of secukinumab in treating patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in Greece. To fill the relevant literature gap, we included difficult-to-treat manifestations in our analysis, specifically regarding the efficacy in the genital area and on the skin folds where relevant data are missing both from the drug clinical program as well as from the real-world setting. All adult patients receiving 300 mg secukinumab and attending follow-up visits on a regular basis, according to routine medical practice were included. The timeline of the study was from 2015 to 2020. Primary endpoint of the study was the percentage of patients who achieved a psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) 75 response rate at week 16 and week 52 post baseline. Secondary endpoints were the evaluation at baseline (week 0), week 4 (±1), week 16 (±1), week52 (±1), and week 104 (±1), week 156 (±1), week 208 (±1) of clinical outcomes, incidence of adverse events and potential predictive variables influencing response rate. Ninety-nine patients were included in the study population, from whom sixty six patients (66.67%) were bio-naive, whereas 33 patients had never received systemic treatment. Regarding difficult-to-treat manifestations, we recorded scalp involvement in 74.74% (74/99) of our patients, genital psoriasis in 27.27% (27/99) and skin folds involvement (psoriasis inversa) in 17% (17/99). At week 16, PASI75/PASI90/PASI100 were observed in 87.5%/69.8%/49%, respectively. At week 4 lesions affecting the genital area and patients with skin fold involvement experienced a rapid regression and 84.1% of patients achieved sPGA 0/1 (Physician Global Assessment). Treatment with secukinumab during the 208 weeks of observation did not reveal any major adverse event or systemic infection and generally it was well tolerated. According to our outcomes secukinumab is an effective treatment choice for treating chronic plaque psoriasis, but, additionally, it can be efficacious in the subgroups of patients with difficult-to-treat manifestations, as our patients experienced great improvement starting even 5 weeks after treatment initiation. This real-life study offers information about clinical efficacy, retention and safety profile of secukinumab in patients from everyday clinical practice over a long-term, 4-year, follow-up period in Greece.