Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
11:39
The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
39.3K
[Off-label drugs in childhood psoriasis]
E Mahé1, F Corgibet2, F Maccari3
1Service de dermatologie, hôpital Victor Dupouy, 69, rue du Lieutenant-Colonel Prud'hon, 95100 Argenteuil, France.
Annales De Dermatologie Et De Venereologie
|April 18, 2020
Summary
Off-label prescriptions for childhood psoriasis are common, ranging from one-third to nearly 100% across studies. This highlights a need for more licensed treatments and clear guidelines for pediatric psoriasis management.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Psoriasis affects 0.5% of European children, with 15-35% experiencing moderate to severe forms requiring systemic therapy.
- Few treatments are specifically licensed for childhood psoriasis, leading to frequent off-label use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the frequency and patterns of off-label prescription for pediatric psoriasis treatments in France.
- To evaluate the types of treatments prescribed off-label and the reasons for their use.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of three French cohorts (χ-Psocar, PsoLib, BiPe) between 2012 and 2018.
- Inclusion of children with psoriasis treated in hospital and private practice settings.
- Focus on off-label use of topical, systemic, and biologic therapies.
Main Results:
- Off-label prescription rates varied significantly, from 34.8% (χ-Psocar) to 97.0% (BiPe).
- Common off-label treatments included topical vitamin D, calcipotriol-betamethasone, systemic methotrexate and cyclosporine, and biotherapies.
- Patient age and clinical type of psoriasis were primary reasons for off-label use.
Conclusions:
- Off-label prescribing is prevalent in childhood psoriasis due to limited licensed options.
- There is a critical need for more research, therapeutic studies, and evidence-based recommendations for pediatric psoriasis.
- Regulatory review and guideline development are essential to support prescribers and ensure safe, effective treatment for children.
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