Long-term treatment of psoriatic patients with adalimumab reduces disease severity and maintains a favorable lipid pattern and a low Atherogenic Index.

BACKGROUND

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and effects on lipid profile and Atherogenic Index of antitumor necrosis factor (TNF)α therapy with adalimumab in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.

METHODS

Sixty-nine psoriatic patients treated with adalimumab 40 mg every other week were included. Patients were treated continuously for four years; study visits took place every 24 weeks. Disease severity (Psoriasis Area Severity Index [PASI], Nail Psoriasis Severity Index [NAPSI], articular pain intensity), disease burden (PSOdisk), serum lipid concentrations, Atherogenic Index, and inflammatory markers were assessed at each visit.

RESULTS

Disease severity improved significantly during treatment. After 24 weeks, 89.9% of patients achieved a PAS I75 response; 79.7% and 46.4% had PASI 90 and PASI 100 responses, respectively. Response was sustained over four years. NAPSI Score, articular pain and disease burden improved significantly. Lipid serum concentrations and inflammatory markers were overall stable and within the range of normality. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations increased significantly and Atherogenic Index improved. The four years of uninterrupted treatment with adalimumab was well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriatic disease with adalimumab is effective, well tolerated, and potentially beneficial also in terms of lipid pattern and atherogenic risk.