Ann Dermatol.  2022 Feb;34(1):14-21. 10.5021/ad.2022.34.1.14.

Differences in Clinical Responses to Ustekinumab Treatment among Body Regions: Results from a Real-World Prospective, Observational, and Multi-Center Study in Korea

• Son SW
• Yu DY
• Kim Y
• Ahn HH
• Jang YH
• Roh JY
• Lee YB
• Lee JY
• Kim MH
• Lee Y
• Park GH
• Yoon HS
• Youn SW
• on behalf of the Stelara PMS investigators

• KMID: 2525289
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2022.34.1.14

Abstract

Background
In psoriasis treatment, not all body regions improve simultaneously after clinical interventions.
Objective
This study was aimed at evaluating clinical responses across body regions, which may differentially influence patient treatment plans.
Methods
This prospective, observational, and multi-center study was conducted in Koreans who adhered to ustekinumab treatment based on criteria per local label and reimbursement guidelines. A total of 581 were included in this analysis.
Results
The mean (±standard deviation) psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score at baseline, age, disease duration, and body surface area (%) were 18.9±9.69, 44.2±13.29 years, 11.3±9.65 years, and 27.8±17.83, respectively. Across the head and neck, upper extremities, trunk, and lower extremities, the correlation between the PASI sub-scores for the upper and lower extremities was the highest (r=0.680). The mean PASI sub-score for the lower extremities was the highest at baseline. PASI90 and PASI100 scores were the highest for the head and neck region, indicating the highest response rates, while those for the lower extremities were consistently low at all visits.
Conclusion
We found differences in regional ustekinumab responses, with the lower extremities being the most difficult to treat. These findings should be considered in psoriasis treatment.

Keyword

Body regions; Psoriasis; Treatment; Ustekinumab