Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 24, 2026
The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
Management of pediatric plaque psoriasis using biologics
Perla Lansang1, James N Bergman2, Loretta Fiorillo3
1Division of Dermatology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Section of Dermatology, Division of Pediatric Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, and Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Insights
Biologics offer new treatment options for moderate to severe pediatric plaque psoriasis. This review proposes a treatment algorithm and monitoring guidelines for children with this chronic skin condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting children and adults.
- Biologics have transformed adult psoriasis treatment, with recent expansion into pediatric care.
- Limited guidelines exist for pediatric biologic use, necessitating updated recommendations.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review current data on biologic therapies for pediatric psoriasis.
- Propose a clinically relevant treatment algorithm for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in children.
- Provide guidance on baseline screening and monitoring for pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A Canadian expert panel reviewed pediatric psoriasis landscape and biologic data.
- Consensus process involved iterative review and editing of recommendations.
- Identified special considerations for baseline workup and monitoring.
Main Results:
- A treatment algorithm for pediatric moderate to severe plaque psoriasis using approved biologics is presented.
- Guidance on baseline screening and ongoing monitoring is provided.
- Treatment decisions should consider patient/caregiver input, comorbidities, quality of life, and safety.
Conclusions:
- The proposed algorithm aids in managing pediatric plaque psoriasis with biologics.
- Comprehensive screening and monitoring are essential for safe and effective treatment.
- Personalized treatment selection is crucial, balancing efficacy, safety, and patient well-being.
Background:
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with clinical manifestations of the skin that affect adults and children. In adults, biologics have revolutionized the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis where clear or almost clear is a tangible goal. Research on biologics has recently been extended to children. The introduction of these new therapeutic options has outpaced the limited guidelines in this population.
Objective:
To provide a review of current data on biologics, with a proposal for a clinically relevant treatment algorithm on the management of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in the pediatric population.
Methods:
A Canadian panel with expertise in psoriasis, pediatric dermatology, and experience with consensus recommendation processes was selected to review the current landscape of pediatric psoriasis and clinical data on biologics plus identify special considerations for baseline workup and monitoring. Recommendations were reviewed and edited by each expert in an iterative process.
Conclusion:
A treatment algorithm for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in pediatric patients is presented, incorporating approved biologics. Guidance on baseline screening and ongoing monitoring is also provided. Ultimately, treatment choice depends on the patient and his or her caregiver, with consideration of comorbidities, impact on quality of life, and relevant safety aspects.
Related Concept Videos
01:57What is Conservation Biology?
02:59Biological Effects of Radiation
01:26Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
01:17Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
01:24Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
02:55Synthetic Biology
Golden rice
Golden rice is a genetically modified...