Abstract
Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, multisystemic, inflammatory disease affecting approximately 1% of children and significantly reducing their health-related quality of life. Etanercept is a biologic fusion protein-blocking TNF-α and belongs to one of the biologics used among the children population. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety profile of etanercept in paediatric patients with plaque-type psoriasis. Material and methods: The outcome of the treatment was evaluated based on Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Body Surface Area (BSA), and Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI). Achievement of at least PASI75 at week 16 was assessed as an adequate response to therapy, which was the primary endpoint. Results: Forty-three paediatric patients were included in the study, 24 females and 19 males. The average age at inclusion into our study was 13 years. At baseline, the mean PASI score, BSA, and CDLQI were 16.3 ± 6.5, 22.3 ± 12.2%, and 17.4 ± 5.3, respectively. At week 16, 90.7% of patients achieved PASI 50, 79.1% achieved PASI 75, and 46.5% attained PASI 90. There was also a decrease in mean BSA and CDLQI values to 3.5 ± 3.8 and 5.4 ± 5.7, respectively. Conclusions: Etanercept proved to be effective, safe, and well-tolerated among the paediatric population with psoriasis.