Biologic therapy may significantly improve renal function in patients with psoriasis, according to a recent study published in Dermatologic Therapy.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis affecting 2%–3% of the general population. Psoriasis is thought to be an immune system problem. Triggers include infections, stress and cold. The most common symptom is a rash on the skin, but sometimes the rash involves the nails or joints. Treatment aims to remove scales and stop skin cells from growing so quickly. Topical ointments, light therapy and medication can offer relief. The link between psoriasis and renal dysfunction has been investigated, demonstrating common pro-inflammatory pathogenesis.
This study is aimed at evaluating renal function in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis treated with biological therapy. A group of researchers analyzed 92 patients, correlating PASI and serum creatinine levels at baseline, after 6 months and after 1 year of continuous treatment with biological therapy. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and the linear mixed model for PASI and serum creatinine levels correlation, whereas the analysis of variances (ANOVA) was used for creatinine levels assessment between the baseline, the 6-months and, 1-year later evaluation.
The results of the study are:
The researchers observed a significant mean decrease in comparing serum creatinine levels after 1 year of biological therapy (p < 0.001). Interestingly, PASI reduction is correlated with creatinine decrease, and the renal function improvement is greater when complete psoriasis remission is attained.
Thus, the researchers concluded that their data suggest that a drop in systemic inflammation, secondary to biological therapy administration, might improve renal function. Future research is needed to confirm and expand our findings.
Reference:
Veronesi G, Guglielmo A, Gardini A, et al. Biological therapy in patients with psoriasis: What we know about the effects on renal function. Dermatologic Therapy. Published online November 13, 2021.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dth.15202