The role of biological agents in the treatment of nail psoriasis

Am J Clin Dermatol. 2010:11 Suppl 1:27-30. doi: 10.2165/1153418-S0-000000000-00000.

Abstract

Nail psoriasis affects up to 90% of patients with psoriasis in their lifetime and is seen in 80% of patients with psoriatic arthritis. These changes of nail psoriasis often cause significant pain, psychological effects, and result in restrictions of daily activities. In patients with nail psoriasis, the choice of effective therapy is limited and depends on various factors, including the severity of the disease, the ability of patients to tolerate treatment, and their ability to pay (insurance) for what are, in some cases, expensive treatments. In recent years, biological therapies have proved effective in improving nail psoriasis, have generally proved to be well tolerated and require minimal patient monitoring. In the right situation, therefore, the use of biological agents is justified in patients with psoriatic nail disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / drug therapy
  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / adverse effects
  • Immunologic Factors / pharmacology
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Nail Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Nail Diseases / physiopathology
  • Pain / etiology
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Psoriasis / physiopathology
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors