Efficacy of etanercept in psoriatic patients previously treated with infliximab.

Background: There are few data to enable us to ascertain whether switching to another systemic agent is useful in patients with psoriasis who have not responded favorably to a first systemic treatment.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of etanercept in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis previously treated with infliximab.

Methods: We analyzed data from patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis and a poor primary or secondary response to infliximab, and who were later treated with etanercept.

Results: Data were collected from 8 patients who were first treated with infliximab. At 54 weeks of therapy, 25% had a psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) of 75. At 24 weeks of therapy with etanercept, 75% had a PASI of 75. Consecutive administration of both therapies did not increase the number of adverse events.

Limitations: The data should be regarded with caution due to the scant number of patients.

Conclusions: Switching from infliximab to etanercept can be useful and safe in nonresponders.