Real-World Outcome Analysis of Continuously and Intermittently Treated Patients with Moderate to Severe Psoriasis after Switching to a Biologic Agent.

Background: Clinical studies of continuous versus intermittent biologic therapy for moderate to severe psoriasis demonstrate improved efficacy with continuous treatment. Objective: To analyse Swedish real-world data of continuously and intermittently treated biologic-naïve patients after switching to a biologic agent. Methods: This is an observational study based on PsoReg, the Swedish registry for systemic psoriasis treatment. Outcome effects in biologic-naïve patients who switched to a biologic agent (n = 351) were analysed in groups of continuous, intermittent and terminated treatment. Results: Intermittently treated patients (n = 50) reported higher Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and Dermatology Life Quality Index values after switching than patients with continuous (n = 260) or terminated treatment (n = 41). Study Limitations: The reason for intermittent treatment was not recorded. The intermittently treated patients may be a heterogeneous group and a limitation is that it cannot be determined whether less than continuous use was offered to handle negative aspects. Conclusion: Patients with continuous biologic treatment tend to achieve better outcomes compared to intermittently treated patients. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.