Triamcinolone Acetonide Injections in Nail Psoriasis: A Pragmatic Analysis

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Treatment of nail psoriasis is challenging. Systemic therapies may be difficult to justify, while topical therapies may be sup-optimal. Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injections are recommended as first-line therapy in cases with less than 3 nails involved; however, limited studies are available. This study was conducted to evaluate the reduction in NAPSI (Nail Psoriasis Severity Index) with TA injections in patients with isolated nail psoriasis. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A retrospective case record analysis of efficacy and safety of TA (5 mg/mL) nail injections (4-weekly for fingernails, 8-weekly for toenails) was done in 10 patients. NAPSI was evaluated at each visit and treatment endpoint (75% reduction or 10 injections, whichever was earlier). Dropouts and adverse effects were recorded. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Among 10 patients (94 involved nails, 61 fingernails, and 33 toenails), 3 patients (30%) dropped out (2, 4, and 5 sessions, respectively), citing procedural pain. Three patients achieved NAPSI-75 (3, 6, and 7 sessions, respectively). Baseline mean NAPSI of 5.03 (4.63 fingernails and 5.78 toenails) dropped to 3.67 (3.13 fingernails and 4.42 toenails) by the 5th injection; and 2.35 (2.13 fingernails and 2.59 toenails) by the 10th injection. Adverse effects included pain (30%), subungual haematoma (1.7%), and proximal nail fold hypopigmentation with mild atrophy (1.1%). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> TA (5 mg/mL) injections are effective in nail psoriasis and associated with minimal adverse effects.