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Psoriasis Club is a friendly on-line Forum where people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis
can get together and share information, get the latest news, or just chill out with others who understand. It is totally
self funded and we don't rely on drug manufacturers or donations. We are proactive against Spammers,
Trolls, And Cyberbulying and offer a safe friendly atmosphere for our members.
So Who Joins Psoriasis Club?
We have members who have had psoriasis for years and some that are newly diagnosed. Family and friends of those with psoriasis
are also made welcome. You will find some using prescribed treatments and some using the natural approach. There are people who
join but keep a low profile, there are people who just like to help others, and there are some who just like
to escape in the Off Topic Section.
Joining Couldn't Be Easier: If you are a genuine person who would like to meet others who understand,
just hit the Register button and follow the instructions.
Members get more boards and privileges that are not available to guests.
OK So What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. It
occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the
growth cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis is not contagious. It commonly
causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin, although some patients
have no dermatological symptoms. The scaly patches commonly caused by
psoriasis, called psoriatic plaques, are areas of inflammation and
excessive skin production. Skin rapidly accumulates at these sites which
gives it a silvery-white appearance. Plaques frequently occur on the
skin of the elbows and knees, but can affect any area including the
scalp, palms of hands and soles of feet, and genitals. In contrast to
eczema, psoriasis is more likely to be found on the outer side of the
joint.
The disorder is a chronic recurring condition that varies in severity
from minor localized patches to complete body coverage. Fingernails and
toenails are frequently affected (psoriatic nail dystrophy) and can be
seen as an isolated symptom. Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of
the joints, which is known as (psoriatic arthritis). Ten to fifteen
percent of people with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis.
The cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is believed to
have a genetic component and local psoriatic changes can be triggered by
an injury to the skin known as Koebner phenomenon. Various
environmental factors have been suggested as aggravating to psoriasis
including stress, withdrawal of systemic corticosteroid, excessive
alcohol consumption, and smoking but few have shown statistical
significance. There are many treatments available, but because of its
chronic recurrent nature psoriasis is a challenge to treat. You can find more information
Here!
Got It, So What's The Cure?
Wait Let me stop you there! I'm sorry but there is no cure. There are things that can help you
cope with it but for a cure, you will not find one.
You will always be looking for one, and that is part of the problem with psoriasis There are people who know you will be
desperate to find a cure, and they will tell you exactly what you want to hear in order to get your money. If there is a
cure then a genuine person who has ever suffered with psoriasis would give you the information for free. Most so called cures
are nothing more than a diet and lifestyle change or a very expensive moisturiser. Check out the threads in
Natural Treatments first and save your money.
Great so now what? It's not all bad news, come and join others at Psoriasis Club and talk about it. The best help is from accepting it and talking
with others who understand what you're going through. ask questions read through the threads on here and start claiming
your life back. You should also get yourself an appointment with a dermatologist who will help you find something that can
help you cope with it. What works for some may not work for others
Hi everyone, I have just joined up to the forum and would like to introduce myself and ask for some advice on various treatments. My name is Murdo, 36 and have been suffering from P since the age of 17. I got a small tattoo aged 17 on my sholder and that was what triggered it off for me. At first the entire tattoo was covered with whte scales and it was no where else on my body. Eventually it started to appear on my body bit by bit and I saw a dermatologist for the first time and he told me it was Plaque Psoriasis. I didn't recieve any treatment for it at the time and it eventually went away and stayed away until I was around 24.
It started to appear on my lower legs, shins, knees and then spread to my arms, elbows and came and went over the next couple of years. The last 10 years has been the worst time for me where my P has been severe and at it's worst, legs, elbows, arms, back and body. I find that a sore throat triggers it off now. I have been prescribed all the creams and ointments available, Dovobet, Dovonex etc... and none of them worked. I have had 2 treatments of UVB light and 1 PUVA, and I have to say they all cleared it but only for a very short time. I have now been prescribed "Fumaderm" but I am a bit cautious about taking it. I live in Ireland and prescription drugs cost the earth, so the price is putting me off for a start, then there is the side effects, I am gong to get back onto my dermotologist and see if he can prescribe me Acitretin, which I believe is cheaper and has the same effect as Fumaderm. I have also been told about "Dermylex Tablets" which are a natural product.
I am looking for some advice on the various tablets available on prescription and would like to hear from anyone who has used or been prescribed tablets or natural products for Psoriasis. Thanks and I look forward to any feedback.
This thread was edited by jiml on 8 Jan 2017 to add new information from the new leaflet
Fumaderm Enteric-Coated Tablets for adults
This is from the package leaflet but is not the complete document some contact details and ingredients have been omitted if unsure ask your prescribing dermatologist
1.. What is FUMADERM and what is it used for
2.. What you need to know before you take FUMADERM
3.. How to Take Fumaderm
4.. Possible side effects
5.. How to store fumaderm
6.. Contents of the pack and other information
1. What is FUMADERM and what is it used for
FUMADERM contains fumeric acid ester and is a medicine for the treatment of psoriasis
FUMADERM is used for the treatment of moderately severe to severe forms of psoriasis vulgaris if an exclusively external therapy alone is insufficient. Prior therapy with Fumaderm Initial is necessary to adjust the patients tollerance
2. What you need to know before you take FUMADERM
Do not take FUMADERM
If you are allergic to dimethyl fumerate, ethyl hydrogen fumerate, calcium salt , magnesium salt or zinc salt or any of the other ingredients listed in section 6.
If you suffer from severe gastrointestinal diseases, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers ( ulcus ventriculi and ulcus doudeni)
In the presence of Liver or kidney disorders
In mild forms of psoriasis vulgaris e.g. localised plaque psoriasis or chronic stationary plaque psoriasis covering less than 10% of the body surface due to treatment risks ( benefit / risk ratio)
In psoriasis pustulosa due to the lack of sufficient clinical experience. Whereas isolated case reports provide evidence of efficacy
In Patients below 18 years of age
During pregnancy and breastfeeding
Laboratory tests
Blood count .. Prior to initiation of treatment with FUMADERM, a blood count (including a differential blood count and platelet count ) must be performed . In the presence of values outside the normal range, treatment with FUMADERM must not be instituted. During the course of treatment full blood counts (leukocyte count and differential blood count) must be monitored on a regular basis
After starting the therapy. Laboratory testing should be performed every 14 days for the first 3 months. If laboratory findings remain normal, monthly performance of blood count is sufficient.
Blood and Urinary Measurements
To identify any adverse effects on liver and kidney, activity of SGOT,SGPT ,gamma-GT.AP, the level of the renal function value serum creatinine of the blood, as well as urine protein and sediment should be tested prior to the start of treatment and regularly during therapy (every 14 days during the first 4 weeks and every four weeks thereafter)
For possible damaging effects on the liver and kidneys
Fanconi Syndrome
Fanconi Syndrome is a rare kidney function disorder whereby absorption of certain substances ( e,g. Glucose, anorganic phosphorus, amino acids) in the kidney is disrupted
Early diagnosis of Fanconi Syndrome and withdrawal of Fumaderm therapy are important to prevent the onset of renal failure and other consequences of Fanconi Syndrome
The key signs of Fanconi Syndrome are typically abnormalities in the urine such as excretion of protein (proteinuria) and glucose ( glycosuria with normal blood sugar levels ) increased excretion of amino acids ( hyperaminoaciduria) excretion of phosphate ( phosphateuria) possibly accompanied by low blood levels of phosphate ( hypophosphataemia)
If Fanconi Syndrome remains untreated symptoms such as increased excretion of urine ( polyuria) excessive thirst and drinking increased volumes (polydipsia) and muscle weakness may occur. In rare cases, due to phosphate loss, there may be softening of the bones ( hypophosphataemic osteomalacia) with unspecified bone pain, an increase in a certain enzyme ( alkaline phosphatase) in the blood and fractures occurring under normal weight bearing for no apparent reason ( stress fractures) These disorders and changes in laboratory results are generally reversible once treatment is withdrawn
In the event of unexplained symptoms such as are outlined above. Fancini Syndrome should be considered
Contact your doctor so that he can arrange for further relevant investigations
Criteria for discontinuation of therapy
Leukopenia ( reduction of white blood cells) Treatment with FUMADERM must be discontinued immediately in the presence of a significant reduction in leukocyte count- particularly if values are below 3,000ul
Lymphopenia ( reduction in specific white cells if the lymphocyte count drops below 500ul treatment must be discontinued immediately
If the lymphocyte count drops below 700ul the dose should be halved. If during the follow up check after 2 to 4 weeks the absolute lymphocyte count remains below 700ul then treatment must be discontinued. Alternative causes of lymphopenia should be excluded .
If therapy is continued in presence of severe prolonged lymphopenia the risk of an opportunistic infection cannot be ruled out
Other blood diseases Treatment should be discontinued immediately and caution should be exercised if there are other pathological changes in blood count
In all cases, the blood count should be monitored until normalization
Other laboratory abnormalities Therapy must be discontinues in any case of increased creatinine levels above the normal range ( see section 4)
Other medicines and FUMADERM
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take other medicines
The medicines listed below must not be taken at the same time as FUMADERM
During treatment with FUMADERM concomitant external use of fumeric acid derivatives e.g in the form of ointments and or baths must be avoided because additional absorption of fumeric acid derivatives through the skin from externally applied baths or ointments may lead to intoxication by exceeding the maximum tolerable dosage
Methotrexate , retinoids, psoralenes and cyclosporine must not be used concomitantly with Fumaderm.
Pharmacological active ingredients which lead to suppression or reduction of the immune system reactivity (immunosuppression) medicines for cancer chemotherapy (cytostatics) and medicines with known harmful effects on the kidneys must not be administered concomitantly with Fumaderm
Pregnancy and Breast feeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine
Pregnancy
Although there is no evidence of a teratogenic (malforming) effect on the basis of preclinical studies. Fumaderm should not be taken during pregnancy as there has been no experience so far in pregnant women . Women that become pregnant during the treatment must inform the treating doctor immediately
Breast feeding
It is not known if the ingredients in FUMADERM are excreted in breast milk. Therefore FUMADERM should not be taken during breast feeding
Driving and using machines
No impairment is to be expected during treatment with the recommended doses of FUMADERM
3 How to take fumaderm
Always take this medicine as the doctor has told you , check with your doctor if you are not sure
Unless your doctor has prescribed FUMADERM differently, the following instruction applies
Please follow the instruction for use , as otherwise FUMADERM cannot operate correctly....
After the tolerability improvement pretreatment with FUMADERM INITIAL, therapy is generally switched to FUMADERM at the end of the third week of treatment.
In the first week of therapy with FUMADERM take 1 x 1 gastro resistant tablet of FUMADERM once daily in the evening
in the second week of therapy take one gastro resistant tablet of FUMADERM one in the morning and one in the evening
Subject to individual tolerability increase the dose weekly by one gastro resistant tablet of FUMADERM according to the following regimen
Fumaderm dosing regime:
Week
Morning
Midday
Evening
1
0
0
1
2
1
0
1
3
1
1
1
4
1
1
2
5
2
1
2
6
2
2
2
The maximum daily dosage of 3x2 gastro resistant tablets of FUMADERM must not be exceeded, however in many cases , administration of the maximum daily dosage is not required.
According to experience initial treatment effects will first become apparent after the fourth to sixth week of therapy
After abatement of skin reactions, gradual reduction of the daily dose intake to an individually required maintenance dose of FUMADERM should be attempted.
The gastro resistant tablets must be taken without chewing with plenty of fluid at or immediately after meals
Patients should take care to drink enough fluid (1.5 to 2 litres during the day)
The duration of therapy is determined by the treating physician. Sufficient experience from clinical trials is available for a treatment period of 4 months. In addition , experience with treatment periods of up to 36 months is available from observational studies.
Please talk to your doctor if you have the impression that the effect of FUMADERM is too strong or too weak
If you take more FUMADERM than you should
If you have taken too many gastro-resistant tablets talk to your doctor straight away.
Beside general measures to eliminate the harmful substances and reduce absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, symptomatic treatment is indicated... There is no KNOWN antidote (see section 4)
If you forget to take FUMADERM
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet
Continue to take this medicine exactly as described in the package leaflet, or as your Doctor has told you, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure
If you stop taking FUMADERM
If you stop taking or plan to stop taking the tablets, talk to your doctor or pharmacist
4 Possible side effects
Like all medicines this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them
in the ratings of undesired effects, the following frequency classification is used
Very Common.....................................more than one in ten treated patients
Common..............................................less than 1 in 10but more than 1 in 100 treated patients
Uncommon..........................................less than 1 in 100 but more than 1 in 1,000treated patients
Rare …................................................less than 1 in 1,000 but more than 1 in 10,000 treated patients
Very rare............................................less than 1 in 10,000 or unknown
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Very common .Facial flushing and heat sensations (flushing)
These disorders are very common at the initiation of therapy and usually subside during further treatment. However severe forms may lead to treatment discontinuation
Rare allergic skin reaction
These symptoms are reversible after discontinuation of the therapy
Gastrointestinal disorders
Very common Diarrhoea
Common distention, upper abdominal cramps, flatulence
Uncommon Nausea
These side effects are very common at the initiation of therapy and normally subside during further treatment . In most cases dose reduction will alleviate the symptoms. If these side effects do not resolve, the treating physician must decide on continuation of the therapy
Nervous system disorders
Uncommon Fatigue, dizziness, headaches
These side effects normally subside during further treatment . In most case dose reduction will alleviate the symptoms. If these symptoms don't resolve, the treating physician must decide on the continuation of therapy
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Alterations in blood cell counts such as leukopenia ( reduction of white blood cells)
lymphopenia (reduction of specific white blood cells) and
eosinophilia ( increase in specific white blood cells) appear in various degrees of severity
Very common
mild forms of lyphopenia (approximately 50% of patients)
Mild leukopenia (approximately) 11% of patients)
Common
severe forms of lymphopenia (approximately 3% of patients
transient eosinophilia
Very rare
Persistent eosinophilia
The above mentioned alterations of blood cell counts are reversible upon discontinuation of therapy
Very rare
Acute lymphocytic Leukaemia (ALL)
Isolated cases
irreversible pancytopenia ( reduction of all blood cells)
Renal and Urinary disorders
Uncommon
Protein excretion in the urine , increase of the renal function value creatinine in the blood
Therapy must be discontinued in all cases with serum creatinine levels increased beyond the normal range
Very rare Non specific bone pains and increased alkaline phosphatase with concomitant reduction of inorganic Phosphate levels. These signs may be associated with osteomalacia ( softening of the bone)
These disorders and laboratory test alterations are reversible upon discontinuation of the therapy
Post marketing experience ( frequency unknown)
Renal failure
Isolated cases of opportunistic infections ( infections that occur due to immune system impairment) were reported in patients who had severe, prolonged lymphopenia on treatment with FUMADERM
Posted by: Fred - Sun-17-05-2015, 15:12 PM
- Replies (1)
This study looked at Serum IL-33 levels in people with psoriasis before and after anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α therapy.
Quote:Background:
Interleukin (IL)-33 is a recently identified cytokine, which is a member of the IL-1 family and binds to a heterodimeric receptor comprising ST2 (suppression of tumorigenicity 2) and IL-1 receptor accessory protein. Serum levels of IL-33 have been reported to be upregulated in various T helper (Th)1/Th17-mediated diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. IL-33 expression is increased in lesional skin in patients with psoriasis, but serum levels in patients with psoriasis have not yet been studied.
Aim:
To study serum IL-33 levels in patients with psoriasis, a Th1/Th17-mediated skin disease, before and after anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α therapy.
Methods:
Serum IL-33 levels were measured in patients with psoriasis vulgaris (PV), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or pustular psoriasis (PP), and compared with those of healthy controls. Associations between serum IL-33 levels and serum TNF-α, IL-6, vascular endothelial growth factor and C-reactive protein levels were also studied. In addition, the effect of IL-33 stimulation on IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and VEGF secretion by human keratinocyte was analysed.
Results:
Serum IL-33 levels in patients with PV, PsA and PP were significantly higher than those in healthy controls. Serum IL-33 levels correlated with serum TNF-α levels in patients with psoriasis, and decreased after anti-TNF-α therapy. IL-33 stimulated IL-6 and IL-8 secretion by human keratinocytes.
Conclusions:
These results suggest that serum IL-33 levels generally reflect increased inflammation in patients with psoriasis.
Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com
*Funding: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan
Posted by: HenryB - Sat-16-05-2015, 08:14 AM
- Replies (8)
Another day and I have to wash my bed linen again! Blood stains all over again from scratching while I slept.
Anyone got some miracle advice as to what I can try and do?
Applying Elocon cream at night before I go to sleep. Tried some other creams but found that some will make me sweat like a pig and have to wash the linen anyways
Apart from sleeping on towels (which I hate to do). I do not like any other material around me other than bed linen. Yes I have tried pyjamas but end up feeling like a burrito roll at some point in the night and just rip them off.
Posted by: HenryB - Fri-15-05-2015, 10:20 AM
- Replies (6)
I have a question regarding Psoriatic arthritis.
I have had this really annoying pain in my left elbow and shoulder for quite some time now. Up to such a point where I can not lift my elbow above my shoulder and even just picking up a laptop is very difficult. Seems like I have lost all power in my left arm. My GP said it was Tennis Elbow and just gave me a few anti-inflammatory painkillers for it. He has prescribed this now three times over the past year and a half. I did not think tennis-elbow can last that long??? Could it be that I have got Psoriatic arthritis as well?
Posted by: Fred - Fri-15-05-2015, 10:10 AM
- Replies (1)
This study suggests there is a significant association of PTPN22 (rs2476601) to psoriatic arthritis susceptibility, but no evidence for association with psoriasis, don't ask me to explain I'm not awake properly yet.
Quote:Objectives:
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis; it has a higher estimated genetic component than psoriasis alone, however most genetic susceptibility loci identified for PsA to date are also shared with psoriasis. Here we attempt to validate novel single nucleotide polymorphisms selected from our recent PsA Immunochip study and determine specificity to PsA.
Methods:
A total of 15 single nucleotide polymorphisms were selected (PImmunochip <1×10−4) for validation genotyping in 1177 cases and 2155 controls using TaqMan. Meta-analysis of Immunochip and validation data sets consisted of 3139 PsA cases and 11 078 controls. Novel PsA susceptibility loci were compared with data from two large psoriasis studies (WTCCC2 and Immunochip) to determine PsA specificity.
Results:
We found genome-wide significant association to rs2476601, mapping to PTPN22 (p=1.49×10−9, OR=1.32), but no evidence for association in the psoriasis cohort (p=0.34) and the effect estimates were significantly different between PsA and psoriasis (p=3.2×10−4). Additionally, we found genome-wide significant association to the previously reported psoriasis risk loci; NOS2 (rs4795067, p=5.27×10−9).
Conclusions:
For the first time, we report genome-wide significant association of PTPN22 (rs2476601) to PsA susceptibility, but no evidence for association to psoriasis.
Sorry for the 20 questions but if I do not ask them now, I'll forget and only remember when I on top of a mountain in the middle of nowhere with no internet access for miles
Got an appointment to see my GP in two weeks' time. Want to ask her to refer me to a Dermatologist. The last time I asked that, I had to wait 6 months for an appointment. Is there any other way to get to see one quicker? I do not mind if I have to pay as I am getting desperate to find some relief.
Just wondering if getting a sunbed with the proper UVB lights will be worth it?
My work takes me away from home during the week. I am only home on weekends. Thus going for UVB light treatment after seeing a dermatologist is not an option for me.
Thought the idea of having one of these units in the house that I can use on the weekend would be great as I cannot overuse it if I had been home all the time.
Has anyone ever purchased a unit and the main question is, does/did it work?
New to this forum thing but think this is the best thing since sliced bread.
I am 46 years old. Have been first diagnosed with Psoriasis in 1992. Back then I was living in South Africa - born there!. Over there the treatment was easy as I only had outbreaks on my scalp.
We moved to Scotland in 2009 and my psoriasis has really flared up since. I have been to the GP's to get the same treatment as I had in South Africa but they refused to give it to me as they said it was too strong to use regularly. Even went for UV light treatment at the local hospital a few years ago. Due to my nature of work it is very difficult for me to attend another UV light treatment.
Currently I am using Elocon cream, Diprosalic lotion and Etrivex shampoo to try and keep my psoriasis contained (probably not the right word but I am sure you'll understand.) I have to use these medications very sparingly which means they are not really effective. I only use it in abundance when it flares up on my face.
Oh, forgot to mention, at the moment my body is basically 80% covered in patches (scales). It's beginning to really affect me as I do not wear short sleeve shirts or shorts anymore. Even if we do manage to get some sun in Scotland
My wife has urged me to join up and ask questions because I am a man and do not ask for directions. Just kidding . I do feel that I can find answers I am looking for in here as there are people out there that feel the same as I do.
I'm having such a poop time at the moment!
So for the past 8 months I've been taking ciclosporin but after suffering with tonsillitis every month since starting the meds and many other infections they've decided it's time to come off them!
It's lovely it worked wonders and made me feel a little bit like a normal 27 year old I could wear shirts and pin my hair up cause it had all cleared.
Now I'm excited to be coming off the tablets cause hopefully i shouldn't be so poorly but since being weaned off the tablets my scalp has flared up so much and little patches are coming back so I'm scared a nervous about the flare up! Got 2 months before I see the dermatologist again to discuss what's next! It's just so obey ointment again and Canada's shampoo again! He knows it never works on me but still insists on me using it.
Anyone know what might be the dermatologists next move or will I just be back to my flaky nasty sore self?
Posted by: Fred - Thu-14-05-2015, 13:15 PM
- No Replies
This study looked at the association between glomerulonephritis (GN) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with psoriasis.
Quote:Background:
Few studies have examined the association between psoriasis and glomerulonephritis (GN) as well as chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Objectives:
To determine the risk of CKD in patients with psoriasis and evaluate the impact of the severity of psoriasis, comorbidities and concomitant drugs on the risk of GN and CKD in patients with psoriasis.
Methods:
We identified 4344 patients with psoriasis for the study cohort and randomly selected 13 032 subjects as a control cohort. Each subject was individually followed for up for 5 years to identify those who subsequently developed GN and CKD.
Results:
After adjustment for traditional CKD risk factors, psoriasis was found to be independently associated with an increased risk of CKD during the follow-up period [hazard ratio (HR) 1·28; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·14–1·44]. The increased incidence of GN in patients with psoriasis (HR 1·50, 95% CI 1·24–1·81) may contribute to the positive association between psoriasis and CKD. Patients with mild and severe psoriasis had an increased risk of CKD and GN compared with the control cohort; the risk increased with severity. Patients with psoriasis and arthritis exhibited a higher risk of CKD than patients without arthritis (HR 1·62 vs. 1·26). Among drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have the strongest association with CKD in patients with psoriasis (adjusted odds ratio 1·69, 95% CI 1·14–2·49).
Conclusions:
Psoriasis was associated with a higher risk of developing CKD and GN. High severity, psoriatic arthritis involvement and concomitant NSAIDs use further increased the risk of CKD in patients with psoriasis.
Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com
*Funding: National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch.
Posted by: bzybee - Wed-13-05-2015, 10:23 AM
- Replies (8)
Hi everyone, I have a question if ye wouldn't mind helpin me out.
Started stelara 3 weeks ago and doing brilliant on it with very few side effects. I have caught the rotavirus from my kiddies who have been sick for a week. Will this take longer to clear up with me because I'm on Stelara? Is this something I need to contact my dermatologist about?
Thanks for any info
Posted by: Fred - Wed-13-05-2015, 09:24 AM
- No Replies
This Japanese study of three people with psoriasis undergoing hemodialysis, looked at the use of Stelara (Ustekinumab)
Quote:
Patients with psoriasis undergoing hemodialysis have additional difficulties in treatment compared with general patients. Conventional treatments such as cyclosporin, retinoids and methotrexate are not widely administrated due to the chances of an increase in adverse effects and the possibility of risk to patient survival.
Recently, biologic treatments have been recognized as having sufficient efficacy for severe psoriasis with low incidence of organ toxicities. For this reason, biologic treatments may be more preferable for patients on hemodialysis; however, there is not sufficient evidence.
We have treated three patients with psoriasis with ustekinumab for 1 year, who had been undergoing hemodialysis. They were previously treated with conventional treatments before ustekinumab treatments; however, they did not respond to these treatments sufficiently.
Following treatment with ustekinumab, rapid and maintained improvement in psoriasis was observed. Over the course of treatments, two of the three patients encountered no adverse events during their first year of treatment. The other patient discontinued ustekinumab due to elevated levels of C-reactive protein.
These findings suggest that ustekinumab may be an appropriate treatment for patients undergoing hemodialysis who are suffering from psoriasis. However, the risk of developing infection remains higher than in general patients.
Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
*Article ahead of publication.
Department of Dermatology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
2Department of Dermatology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.
Posted by: Fred - Mon-11-05-2015, 22:09 PM
- No Replies
This study ahead of publication set out to investigate the effects of ultraviolet (UV)B on Haptoglobin (Hp) and to clarify the role of Hp in psoriasis.
Quote:Background:
Haptoglobin (Hp) is one of the acute phase proteins, whose main function is to bind free haemoglobin (Hb) and transport it to the liver for degradation and iron recycling. In addition to its role as an Hb scavenger, Hp has been shown to behave as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and angiogenic factor. We previously investigated the role of Hp in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and found that it displays some structural modifications that might be associated with protein function in the disease. Phototherapy is an efficacious treatment for psoriasis, although the biological mechanisms by which phototherapy improves psoriasis are still unclear.
Aim:
To investigate the effects of ultraviolet (UV)B on Hp to clarify the role of Hp in psoriasis.
Methods:
Expression of the genes encoding Hp, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 was assessed in UVB-irradiated and unirradiated HaCaT cells. The biological significance of Hp modulation of UVB treatment was confirmed by ELISA and Western blotting. The Hp gene and protein expression in the skin of patients with psoriasis was also investigated.
Results:
In vitro results showed that UVB modulated IL-6 and IL-10 gene expression and Hp gene and protein expression in HaCaT cells. The in vivo data also showed that Hp levels were increased in the skin of patients with psoriasis compared with healthy controls.
Conclusions:
UVB irradiation was able to modulate Hp production in immortalized keratinocytes. The higher levels of Hp in vivo in both lesional and nonlesional skin suggest that it might have a role in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Posted by: Fred - Mon-11-05-2015, 21:59 PM
- Replies (11)
This study ahead of publication looked into correlations between vitamin D status and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis.
Quote:
Limited data are available on the vitamin D3 status and bone mineral density (BMD) of patients with psoriasis or with psoriatic arthritis.
Our study intended to explore possible correlations between vitamin D status and BMD, as well as among these parameters and the features of the underlying disorder.
Seventy-two patients with psoriasis/or psoriatic arthritis (female : male ratio, 40:32; mean age, 58.5 ± 11.6 years; mean duration of follow up, 142.7 ± 147.7 months) participated in the study. We evaluated the characteristic clinical features of the underlying disease, performed bone densitometry of the lumbar spine and the hip region, measured the serum vitamin 25(OH)D3 levels of the patients, and undertook the statistical analysis of the relationships between the clinical and the laboratory parameters.
The proportion of patients with a low BMD value did not exceed that seen in the general population. We found an inverse correlation between the serum level of vitamin 25(OH)D3 and body mass index, as well as between the former and the severity of skin involvement. Furthermore, the activity of psoriatic arthritis was significantly higher in patients with inadequate vitamin D3 status. In patients with psoriatic arthritis, BMD significantly exceeded the values measured in patients suffering from psoriatic skin lesions only.
Our findings suggest the importance of evaluating the vitamin D3 status and screening for comorbid conditions in patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. This appears justified, in particular, due to the possible role of hypovitaminosis D3 in provoking the development of skin lesions and joint symptoms.
Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com
*This is an early view before publication.
Funded by: Hungarian Research Grants.
Posted by: Fred - Mon-11-05-2015, 21:48 PM
- No Replies
This is an abstract ahead of publication that set out to evaluate bone microstructure and volumetric BMD (vBMD) in patients with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis.
Quote:
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by periarticular bone loss and new bone formation. Current data regarding systemic bone loss and bone mineral density (BMD) in PsA are conflicting.
The aim of this study was to evaluate bone microstructure and volumetric BMD (vBMD) in patients with PsA and psoriasis.
We performed HR-pQCT scans at the ultradistal and periarticular radius in 50 PsA patients, 30 psoriasis patients, and 70 healthy, age- and sex-related controls assessing trabecular bone volume (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), inhomogeneity of the trabecular network, cortical thickness (Ct.Th), and cortical porosity (Ct.Po), as well as vBMD. Trabecular BMD (Tb.BMD, p = 0.021, 12.0%), BV/TV (p = 0.020, –11.9%), and Tb.N (p = 0.035, 7.1%) were significantly decreased at the ultradistal radius and the periarticular radius in PsA patients compared to controls. In contrast, bone architecture of the ultradistal radius and periarticular radius was similar in patients with psoriasis and healthy controls. Duration of skin disease was associated with low BV/TV and Tb.N in patients with PsA.
Posted by: Fred - Mon-11-05-2015, 21:38 PM
- Replies (1)
This small study investigated the prevalence of non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a population of Iranian patients with psoriasis, it concludes the same as other studies that we should all modify our lifestyle, give up smoking and loose some weight.
Quote:Background:
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease with many extracutaneous manifestations. Several recent studies have indicated an increased prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among patients with psoriasis. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of NAFLD in a population of Iranian patients with psoriasis.
Methods:
NAFLD was assessed and graded using ultrasonography in 123 patients with psoriasis and 123 healthy controls (HCs) matched by age, sex and body mass index (BMI).
Results:
The prevalence of NAFLD was significantly higher in the psoriatic group compared with the HC group (65.6% vs. 35%, P < 0.01, OR = 3.53). Median NAFLD grade was significantly greater in patients with psoriasis compared with HCs (grade 2 vs. grade 1, P < 0.01). In patients with psoriasis, NAFLD was associated with a higher frequency of hypertension (16.5%), abnormal liver function test (LFT) results (16.4%) and metabolic syndrome (46.6%). Moreover, patients with psoriasis and NAFLD tended to have significantly higher values for BMI, waist circumference (WC), Psoriasis Activity and Severity Index (PASI), and levels of serum triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and fasting blood sugar (FBS). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that WC, PASI, LFT abnormalities, hypertension and cigarette smoking were independent predictors of NAFLD grade.
Conclusions:
Our findings warrant a detailed assessment of metabolic comorbidities including NAFLD in patients with a primary diagnosis of psoriasis. Lifestyle modifications, including weight loss and smoking cessation, may be necessary for patients with psoriasis to decrease the risk and severity of NAFLD.
Not sure if this has been suggested before but I found a mod that will allow users to tag people on the forum and they are sent a PM and told about it so they can go into the thread where they are mentioned.
(not sure if this works with 1.8 but i think its possible to configure it to do so.)
Yesterday / earlier when i was mentioned in the compliment's thread I had no idea until I went through and checked unread posts, this would definitely speed up gaining people attention imo.
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Psoriasis Cure!
How many people have Psoriasis?
In 2012 there were approximately 36.5 million prevalent cases of psoriasis, and by 2022, GlobalData epidemiologists forecast that this figure will reach approximately 40.93 million.
The condition affects individuals of both sexes and all ethnicities and ages, although there is a higher prevalence of psoriasis in the colder, northern regions of the world.
The prevalence of psoriasis in the central region of Italy is 2.8 times greater than the prevalence in southern Italy.
Caucasians have a higher prevalence of psoriasis compared with African-Americans, but African-Americans in the US tend to suffer from a more severe form of the disease.
![[Image: lhWYANk.jpg?1]](https://i.imgur.com/lhWYANk.jpg?1)
. I do feel that I can find answers I am looking for in here as there are people out there that feel the same as I do. 
