Survival rate of ustekinumab for psoriasis in real life: A multicenter observational study

Introduction: Introduction of the biologic agents in dermatology challenged the established principles of psoriasis management. In contrast to the traditional systemic agents, such as cyclosporin or methotrexate in which the rotational treatment principle has been used due to the risk of the cumulative end-organ toxicity, biologic agents are use for long-term treatment. Adherence to treatment is an overall marker of treatment success, as it depends on drug efficacy, side effects, and patients' satisfaction with the treatment. Long-term data of adherence to biologic treatment in psoriasis are lacking. Materials and Methods: This study is based on data from University Hospital of Málaga and Andújar (Jaén). Baseline data, sex, age, psoriatic arthritis, PASI, body mass index, time on treatment and reason for stopping treatment were recorded. Hazard ratios for factors determining drug survival were calculated by logistic regression (P<.05 was considered significant). Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 statistical package. Results: In total, 44 patients with psoriasis vulgaris treated with ustekinumab. The 3- year drug survival is 84 %. Conclusions: In clinical practice, the efficacy and patient adherence to ustekinumab are excellent and comparable to the data obtained in clinical trials. Ustekinumab appears to be associated with the lowest rate of discontinuation. This may be due to greater superior efficacy and to a decreased likelihood of experiencing adverse events.