Systemic corticosteroids are frequently prescribed for psoriasis.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pharmacology
• Public Health

Background:

• Major psoriasis treatment guidelines discourage the use of systemic corticosteroids.
• Despite recommendations, the actual clinical practice regarding systemic corticosteroid use for psoriasis requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of systemic corticosteroid prescriptions for psoriasis.
• To analyze trends in systemic corticosteroid use for psoriasis over time.

Main Methods:

• Utilized National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) data (1989-2010) to identify systemic medications for psoriasis.
• Confirmed findings with MarketScan Medicaid data analysis (2003-2007).

Main Results:

• Systemic corticosteroids were prescribed in an estimated 650,000 out of 21 million psoriasis visits.
• Corticosteroids were the second most common systemic medication prescribed for psoriasis, with no significant change in use over time.
• Prednisone was prescribed more frequently than methotrexate or etanercept in MarketScan data.

Conclusions:

• Systemic corticosteroids remain a common psoriasis treatment despite guidelines.
• There is a critical need for data on the risks and benefits of systemic corticosteroids in psoriasis management.
• Physicians and patients require evidence-based information for informed treatment decisions.