[Psoriasis and HIV infection, what do French dermatologists do?]

The prevalence of psoriasis among patients presenting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)infection is the same as in the general population, but the disease is more severe and refractory, and management is more complex. The aim of this survey was to assess the practices of French dermatologists concerning both screening for HIV in psoriasis patients and therapeutic management and follow-up of psoriasis patients with HIV.

An anonymous national survey of practices was conducted by means of a questionnaire emailed to dermatologists in hospital in private practice in France between March and June 2017.

The questionnaire was completed by 262 dermatologists. They indicated that they carried out screening for HIV in psoriasis patients presenting risk factors (79.4%), prior to biotherapy (63.4%) or different systemic treatments other than retinoids (53.1%), if the psoriasis was severe (45.8%), or in the event of worsening (37.8%). 28.7% of practitioners surveyed were in fact treating patients with psoriasis and HIV, with a mean 3.1 patients being followed up. All practitioners prescribe systemic treatment, other than cyclosporine, but they frequently consult an infectious disease specialist before prescribing these therapies. The most widely used biotherapy was etanercept (65.5% of practitioners). More intensive laboratory follow-up was conducted for these patients in 72.1% of cases.

French dermatologists do not perform routine screening for HIV in psoriasis patients. However, where infection has been identified, their practices are modified accordingly. Therapeutic choices are consistent with the French recommendations. Nevertheless, recommendations appear necessary concerning HIV screening in this population.