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Updated: Mar 3, 2026
11:39
The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
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Biologic treatments for elderly patients with psoriasis
Mami Momose1, Akihiko Asahina1, Mitsuha Hayashi1
1Department of Dermatology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
The Journal of Dermatology
|April 26, 2017
Summary
Biologic treatments for psoriasis are effective in elderly patients (≥75 years). However, senior patients face a higher risk of adverse events, necessitating careful monitoring during treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Geriatrics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Psoriasis prevalence is rising among the elderly in Japan.
- Biologic therapy for psoriasis in older adults presents challenges due to increased complication risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety and efficacy of biologic treatments in senior elderly patients (≥75 years) with psoriasis.
- To evaluate the long-term outcomes of biologic therapy in this specific demographic.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 27 patients aged 75-88 years treated with biologics for over one year.
- Initial treatments included adalimumab (5 cases) and ustekinumab (22 cases).
- Adverse events and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75% reduction were monitored.
Main Results:
- High efficacy observed: PASI 75% achieved by 76.9% at week 16, 88.0% at week 24, and 90.5% at week 52.
- Eight patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events including cancer, fracture, pneumonia, and cerebral hemorrhage.
- Serious adverse events like death occurred, highlighting potential risks in this age group.
Conclusions:
- Biologic treatments demonstrate significant efficacy for psoriasis in elderly patients.
- The increased incidence of adverse events in this population mandates stringent patient observation and risk management strategies.
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