Effectiveness of ixekizumab for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis with involvement of difficult‐to‐treat areas: A 52‐week multicenter retrospective study

Abstract

AbstractBiological drugs have dramatically changed the approach to treating moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis, achieving excellent skin clearance and safety outcomes. However, the management of difficult‐to‐treat areas (e.g., scalp, palms/soles, nails, and genitalia) still represents a challenge in psoriasis treatment. Data in the literature on difficult‐to‐treat sites are limited and, frequently, no specific analysis is performed during clinical trials. We conducted a 52‐week, retrospective study to evaluate the effectiveness of ixekizumab in 120 patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis of at least one difficult‐to‐treat area (scalp, palmoplantar surfaces, nails, and genitalia). Ninety‐nine patients had scalp psoriasis, 35 had involvement of the palms or soles, 27 were affected by genital psoriasis, and 22 patients reported involvement of the nails. After 1 year of treatment, 96% of patients with scalp involvement, 95.6% of patients with palmoplantar psoriasis, 95.2% of patients with genital psoriasis, and 85% of patients with nail involvement achieved a site‐specific Physician's Global Assessment of 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear). No serious adverse events were observed during the study. Our study supports the effectiveness of ixekizumab in plaque psoriasis involving difficult‐to‐treat sites.