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Background Vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF) is a pivotal cytokine in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and upregulation of VEGF by tumour necrosis factor ( TNF)-α and inflammatory factors causes marked alterations in the cutaneous microcirculation. Etanercept is a fully soluble TNF receptor fusion protein that primarily binds soluble TNF-α, thus blocking its pro-angiogenic function. Aim To assess the modifications in the superficial capillary bed in psoriatic plaques during treatment with etanercept. Methods The study enrolled 22 patients (13 men, 9 women; age range 31-74 years) with plaque psoriasis resistant to conventional therapy. The patients were stated on etanercept 50 mg/week, which was continued for 24 weeks. At the beginning of the study (baseline), and at weeks 6, 12, 18 and 24, in vivo videocapillaroscopy analysis of a selected plaque was performed. Levels of erythema, scaling and infiltration were assessed using a four-point plaque severity score, with an overall score obtained by the sum of these three scores. The Psoriasis Activity and Severity Index ( PASI) was also determined. Results Etanercept produced a significant reduction in PASI, plaque severity score and diameter of the basket-weave area at every time point. Four patients had complete remission, although none of the patients regained a normal capillaroscopic pattern. Conclusions Similar to other conventional therapies, etanercept is able to improve PASI, plaque severity score and basket-weave area diameter , but it is unable to induce normalization of the microcirculation in psoriatic plaques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which involves use of Framingham risk score to assess the risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with psoriasis. It mentions collections of information of several characteristics of patients such as body mass index, diabetes and antihypertensive therapy. It also states comparison of data on coronary death, myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure.

The article presents information on the serological screening for autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes in vitiligoa patients. It discusses the analysis of the association of vitiligo with systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases. A table representing the percentage of serum antibodies in the vitiligo patients is also shown.