Management Strategies for Pediatric Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: Spotlight on Biologics

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pediatric Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Psoriasis onset can occur at any age, with up to one-third of cases beginning in childhood.
• Childhood psoriasis affects approximately 2% of the pediatric population.
• Moderate-to-severe childhood psoriasis significantly impacts patients' quality of life and psychological health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review systemic treatments for pediatric psoriasis.
• To focus on the use of biologics and small molecules in pediatric patients.
• To address challenges in managing moderate-to-severe childhood psoriasis, especially parental concerns regarding systemic therapies.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature.
• Focus on systemic treatment strategies for pediatric psoriasis.
• Analysis of traditional systemic therapies, biologics, and small molecules.

Main Results:

• Traditional systemic therapies are currently the most common treatments for pediatric psoriasis.
• Biologics and small molecules represent an emerging and promising area for treating pediatric psoriasis.
• Parental concerns about adverse events and administration routes often complicate treatment decisions.

Conclusions:

• Effective and safe treatment is crucial for pediatric psoriasis patients due to its significant impact on quality of life.
• Biologics and small molecules offer a promising, though relatively unexplored, avenue for managing moderate-to-severe pediatric psoriasis, particularly in cases unresponsive to traditional therapies.
• Addressing parental concerns is key to successful management of childhood psoriasis.