Elderly patients with psoriasis: long-term efficacy and safety of modern treatments

The increasing number of elderly psoriatic patients presents a challenge for dermatologists. Biologicals and small-molecule inhibitors in the general population have demonstrated a sufficient efficacy and safety profile; yet, studies about their use in the geriatric population are lacking. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of biological and apremilast among psoriatic patients ≥65 years old.

Clinical records of patients over 65 years old receiving biological drugs or apremilast were retrospectively reviewed. Efficacy was evaluated using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score at treatment onset and weeks 12, 24, 52 and 3 years. Adverse events were also recorded.

A total of 154 patients with a mean age of 70.7 ± 6.3 years-old were included in our study. Secukinumab, ustekinumab and brodalumab showed fast-acting results, while the sustained efficacy of secukinumab, ustekinumab, infliximab, adalimumab and brodalumab was also notable. Overall, 30 out of 154 (19.5%) patients reported side effects. Lower respiratory system infections (n = 6; 3.9%) and hepatic enzyme elevation (n = 6; 3.9%) were the most frequently observed events.

Biologicals and apremilast demonstrate adequate efficacy in elderly psoriatic patients. Incidence and severity of reported adverse events were similar to those reported among patients of younger age in relevant clinical studies.