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Introduction: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare intraepidermal blistering disease that is potentially life-threatening due to risk of infection and failure of skin barrier function. The identification of biomarkers has the potential to provide diagnostic utility and identify new therapeutic targets. The objective of this systematic review is to identify all potentially relevant PV biomarkers, categorize them, and identify trends to determine the involvement of T-cell-mediated, B-cell-1mediated, and innate immune-mediated pathways in PV pathogenesis. Methods/Results: Medline and Embase databases were searched according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, resulting in the inclusion of 66 studies that reported on a total of 2463 patients and 146 unique biomarkers. Biomarkers were categorized into T-cell-mediated, B-cell-mediated, and innate immune system pathways. The most notable biomarkers trends include elevations in IL-4, IL-6, IL-17A, anti-Dsg1/3 autoantibodies, and a reduction in Treg cells and FOXP3. Conclusion: The results of this review support current theories of PV pathogenesis, with increased Th2 activity, increased Th17 activity, decreased Treg activity, and production of anti-Dsg1/3 autoantibodies being observed. Targeting of IL-4 and IL-6 may provide therapeutic benefit. However, more research is required to validate biomarkers for clinical utility and assess viability as therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article "Bimatoprost for the management of vitiligo: A systematic review and meta-analysis" explores the use of bimatoprost, a prostaglandin F2-alpha analogue, for treating vitiligo. The study reviewed evidence on bimatoprost's effectiveness and safety for vitiligo treatment, analyzing outcomes such as clinical repigmentation, vitiligo surface area, and patient satisfaction. Results showed promising outcomes, especially when bimatoprost was used in combination with other therapies like NB-UVB phototherapy and FxCO2 laser. The study acknowledges limitations such as small sample sizes and varied protocols, emphasizing the need for further research to understand the long-term efficacy of bimatoprost for vitiligo treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction While clinical trial data demonstrates the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib (UPA), an oral Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) for atopic dermatitis (AD), long-term real-world evidence remains limited. Objectives Our study evaluated the real-world effectiveness and safety of UPA for AD at week 52±6. Methods We conducted a multicenter retrospective review of 3 practices in Canada. Effectiveness endpoints were evaluated at weeks 52±6 and including the following: Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score of clear or almost clear (IGA 0/1) as well as improvements in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), body surface area (BSA), IGAxBSA, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)/Children's DLQI (CDLQI). Safety was determined via incidence of treatment-related adverse events (AEs). Results A total of 102 patients with AD were included in the analysis; mean age was 44.2 (range: 12-79) years and 52.9% (54/102) were female. Initial UPA doses were 15 mg (UPA15: 41.2%, 42/102) or 30 mg (UPA30: 58.8%, 60/102) once daily. Previous systemic therapies included conventional non-biologics (72.5%), biologics (30.4%), and JAKi (2.9%). At week 52±6: 78.4% (80/102) of patients achieved Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) 0/1; 87.5% (49/56), 78.6% (44/56), and 50.0% (28/56) achieved Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) improvements of 75% (EASI75), 90% (EASI90), and 100% (EASI100), respectively; 75.0% (42/56) achieved EASI90 + IGA 0/1; mean EASI was reduced from 12.9 to 0.8 (mean EASI improvement = 91.4%); 91.9% (52/56), 92.9% (52/56), 82.1% (46/56), and 75.0% (42/56) achieved absolute EASI scores < 7, < 5, < 3, and < 1, respectively; mean body surface area (BSA) was reduced from 17.0% to 0.6% (mean BSA improvement=87.8%); mean IGAxBSA was reduced from 52.1 to 0.8 (mean IGAxBSA improvement=90.7%); and mean Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)/Children's DLQI was reduced from 13 to 1.8 (mean DLQI/CDLQI improvement=86%), with 66.0% (33/50) of patients achieving DLQI/CDLQI 0/1. For patients not achieving IGA 0/1, EASI75, EASI90, and EASI100 at weeks 8-20, these responses were subsequently achieved in 60.0% (6/10), 88.9% (8/9), 84.6% (11/13), and 38.1% (8/21) of patients at week 52±6. Dose alterations occurred in 13 patients (12.7%) (escalation: 6.9%, 7/102; reduction: 5.9%, 6/102). Concomitant systemic therapies were used in 1.0% (1/102) of patients. We noted higher statistically significant achievement of endpoints for systemic biologic/JAKi-naïve vs -experienced patients (EASI75; EASI < 7; EASI < 5; DLQI/CDLQI > 4-point improvement). No significant differences in outcomes were identified between dosing regimens. Frequent AEs included: acne (19.6%, 20/102), hypertriglyceridemia (17.6%, 18/102), elevated creatine phosphokinase (13.7%, 14/102), neutropenia (7.8%, 8/102), and transaminitis (7.8%, 8/102). Seven patients (6.8%) discontinued UPA owing to treatment-related AEs, including one case of venous thromboembolism; four patients (3.9%) discontinued UPA due to patient preference, and one patient (1%) discontinued UPA due to lack of efficacy. No serious infections, tuberculosis, major adverse cardiovascular events, gastrointestinal perforation, malignancy, or deaths were observed in 102.5 patient-years of follow-up. Conclusions In contrast to 52-week data from the Measure Up 1/2 and AD Up clinical trials, our results were superior for several outcome parameters (IGA 0/1, EASI90, EASI100, and DLQI 0/1), possibly owing to a patient population with less extensive baseline disease severity. Additionally, we noted similar achievement of these endpoints versus comparable long-term real-world studies. Safety was consistent with existing data, highlighting acne as a common AE (5.3%-20.3% versus 19.6%). Study limitations include its sample size and retrospective nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Upadacitinib (UPA), an oral, selective Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi), is approved for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). While its efficacy and safety are supported by clinical trial data1-3, real-world evidence is limited. Objectives Our study evaluated the real-world effectiveness and safety of UPA for AD between weeks 8-20. Methods We conducted a multicenter retrospective review at three practices in Canada. Effectiveness endpoints measured between weeks 8-20 included: Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score of clear or almost clear (IGA 0/1) and improvements in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), body surface area (BSA), IGAxBSA, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)/Children's DLQI (CDLQI) improvements. Safety was assessed via treatment-related adverse events (AEs). Results A total of 179 patients were included in the analysis.. The mean age was 44.6 ± 17.5 (range: 12-79) years; 53.6% (96/179) were female. Previous treatments included: topicals (100%, 179/179), light (29.1%, 52/179), systemic non-biologics (74.9%, 134/179), and systemic biologics/JAKi (37.4%, 67/179). Initial UPA doses were 15 mg (44.7%, 80/179) or 30 mg (55.3%, 99/179) once daily. At weeks 8-20: 87.2% (156/179) of patients achieved IGA 0/1; 83.3% (85/102), 74.5% (76/102), and 57.8% (59/102) of patients achieved EASI improvements from baseline of 75% (EASI75), 90% (EASI90), and 100% (EASI100), respectively; mean EASI was reduced from 13.4 to 1.0 (p=0.0001; mean EASI improvement = 88.5%); 98% (100/102), 96.1% (98/102), 88.2% (90/102), and 70.6% (72/102) of patients achieved absolute EASI scores < 7, < 5, < 3, and < 1, respectively; mean BSA was reduced from 18.2% to 1.1% (p=0.0001; mean BSA improvement=92.2%); mean IGAxBSA was reduced from 60.9 to 2.1 (p=0.0001; mean IGAxBSA improvement=94.7%); and mean DLQI/CDLQI was reduced from 13.6 to 1.4 (p=0.0001; mean DLQI/CDLQI improvement=87.1%), with 75.9% (63/83) of patients achieving DLQI/CDLQI 0/1. UPA monotherapy was utilized in 39.7% (71/179) of cases. Common concomitant therapies included topical corticosteroids (55.3%, 99/179), topical calcineurin inhibitors (6.7%, 12/179), and intramuscular triamcinolone acetonide (2.2%, 4/179). Statistically significantly higher achievement of endpoints was noted for patients using concomitant therapies (EASI75; EASI90; EASI < 1) and systemic biologic/JAKi-naïve patients (EASI75; EASI < 5; IGA 0/1; DLQI/CDLQI > 4-point improvement). Outcomes were not significantly different between dosing regimens. Frequent AEs included: acne (16.2%, 29/179), hypertriglyceridemia (14%, 25/179), elevated creatinine phosphokinase (10.1%, 18/179), herpes simplex virus (6.7%, 12/179), and transaminitis (4.5%, 8/179). Three patients (1.7%) discontinued treatment (myalgia/arthralgia [n=2]; gastrointestinal discomfort [n=1]). No serious infections, tuberculosis, venous thromboembolism, major adverse cardiovascular events, gastrointestinal perforation, or malignancy were observed in 44.7 patient-years of safety follow-up for the treatment period being analyzed. Conclusions Our study included 75.4% (135/179) of patients with follow-up at weeks ≥12 to ≤16. Interestingly, we found more favourable results than Measure Up 1/2 and AD Up clinical trials at week 16 for IGA 0/1, EASI75, EASI90, EASI100, and DLQI 0/1, likely owing to a patient population with less extensive baseline disease severity, while the safety profile was commensurate. Additionally, we noted higher achievement of IGA 0/1, EASI75, and EASI90 endpoints versus similar real-world studies. Study limitations include its retrospective nature and short follow-up duration. Nonetheless, our results support clinical trial findings suggesting UPA is effective and safe for AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Currently approved dosing regimens of upadacitinib (UPA) for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) are 15 mg (UPA15) once daily (QD) and 30 mg (UPA30) QD based on clinical trial data. However, dose alterations may be required in the context of inadequate efficacy, adverse events (AEs), and patient preference. Objectives Our multicenter retrospective study evaluated the effect of upadacitinib dose alterations on real-world effectiveness and safety outcomes in patients with AD at three practices in Canada. Methods Among 119 patients with AD initiated on UPA with > 23-week follow-up, we identified patients undergoing dose alteration (escalation or reduction). Reasons for dose alteration were collected along with effects of dose alteration on effectiveness outcomes including Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), mean Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), body surface area (BSA), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)/Children's DLQI (CDLQI), and IGAxBSA. Impact of dose alteration on incidence and outcomes of AEs was additionally analyzed. Results From 119 total patients with AD initiated on UPA (> 23-week follow-up), 26.9% (32/119) underwent dose alteration: 40.6% (13/32) with dose escalation and 59.4% (19/32) with dose reduction. The mean age of patients who underwent dose alteration was 44.8 (range: 12-79) years; 62.5% (20/32) were female and 15.6% (5/32) were adolescents. Initial doses were UPA15 (43.8%, 14/32) and UPA30 (56.3%, 18/32). The mean time from UPA initiation to dose alteration was 228.3 (range: 9-520) days. Thirteen patients underwent dose escalation: 69.2% (9/13) from UPA15 QD to UPA30 QD and 30.8% (4/13) from UPA30 QD to 45 mg (UPA45) QD. At the time of dose escalation: mean EASI score was 2.8 (mean EASI improvement from baseline: 57.4%), with 53.8% (7/13) and 7.7% (1/13) having achieved 75% and 90% improvements in baseline EASI scores (EASI75 and EASI90), respectively, while IGA scores were 1 (n=5) and 2 (n=8). At follow-up (mean duration: 83.3 days) after dose escalation: mean EASI score was 1.6 (mean EASI improvement: 84.4% [from baseline] and 54% [from date of dose escalation]), with 69.2% (9/13), 61.5% (8/13), 38.5% (5/13), and 61.5% (8/13) of patients achieving EASI75, EASI90, 100% improvement in EASI (EASI100), and IGA 0/1, respectively. Two patients (15.4%) discontinued UPA due to lack of efficacy despite dose escalation. Only 2 AEs were noted with dose escalation: transaminitis (n=1) and elevated creatine phosphokinase (n=1); the patient with transaminitis subsequently discontinued UPA. Nineteen patients underwent dose reduction: UPA30 QD to UPA15 QD (63.1%, 12/19), UPA30 QD to UPA30 every other day (QOD) (10.5%, 2/19), and UPA15 QD to UPA15 QOD (26.3%, 7/19). Reasons for dose reduction included AEs (57.9%, 11/19) and patient preference following clearance or near-clearance (42.1%, 8/19). EASI/IGA responses were maintained in 78.9% (15/19) patients. Following dose reduction, 21.1% (4/19) of patients flared and required re-escalation (mean duration: 147.3 days). AEs requiring dose reduction included acne (36.4%, 4/11), herpes simplex (18.2%, 2/11), transaminitis (18.2%, 2/11), folliculitis (9.1%, 1/11), and recurrent respiratory tract infections (18.2%, 2/11). AEs improved in 54.5% (6/11) patients with dose reduction (mean follow-up: 164.1 days). Conclusions Our real-world data suggests dose escalation from UPA15 to UPA30 and UPA30 to UPA45 (off-label) can result in higher skin clearance without any short-term safety concerns. Comparable to a Japanese real-world study (n=23), we noted incremental benefits with dose escalation, including comparable and superior achievement of EASI75 (69.2% vs. 66.7%) and EASI90 (61.5% vs. 38.1%), respectively. Furthermore, we identified AEs at higher UPA doses can improve through dose reduction with majority of patients (78.9%) maintaining initial effectiveness response. Study limitations include its small sample size and retrospective nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction While clinical trial data demonstrates the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib (UPA), a selective oral Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) for atopic dermatitis (AD), there is still a lack of real-world evidence. Objectives Our study evaluated the real-world effectiveness and safety of UPA for AD at weeks 20-32. Methods We conducted a multicenter retrospective review at three practices in Canada. Effectiveness endpoints evaluated at weeks 20-32 included Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score of clear or almost clear (IGA 0/1) as well as improvements in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), body surface area (BSA), IGAxBSA, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)/Children's DLQI (CDLQI). Safety was -determined via incidence of treatment-related adverse events (AEs). Results A total of 131 patients were included in the analysis. Mean age was 44.3 ± 17.5 (range: 12-78) years; 53.4% (70/131) were female. UPA doses were 15 mg (43.5%, 57/131) or 30 mg (56.5%, 74/131) once daily. Previous treatments included: topical therapy (100%, 131/131), phototherapy (29%, 38/131), systemic non-biologic therapy (75.6%, 99/131), and systemic biologic/JAKi therapy (38.9%, 51/131). At weeks 20-32: 85.5% (112/131) of patients achieved IGA 0/1; 84.3% (59/70), 75.7% (53/70), and 62.9% (44/70) of patients achieved EASI improvements of 75% (EASI75), 90% (EASI90), and 100% (EASI100), respectively; mean EASI was reduced from 12.7 to 0.7 (p=0.0001; mean EASI improvement = 88.8%); 94.3% (66/70), 92.9% (65/70), 90% (63/70), and 77.1% (54/70) of patients achieved absolute EASI scores < 7, 5, < 3, and < 1, respectively; mean BSA was reduced from 16.4% to 0.9% (p=0.0001; mean BSA improvement=92.5%); mean IGAxBSA was reduced from 53.5 to 1.6 (p=0.0001; mean IGAxBSA improvement=95.7%); and mean DLQI/CDLQI was reduced from 13 to 1.2 (p=0.0001; mean DLQI/CDLQI improvement=90.5%), with 84.6% (55/65) of patients achieving DLQI/CDLQI 0/1. UPA monotherapy was utilized in 38.9% (51/131) of cases. Common concomitant therapies included topical corticosteroids (56.5%, 74/131), systemic corticosteroids (5.3%, 7/131), and topical calcineurin inhibitors (3.8%, 5/131). Frequent AEs included: acne (18.3%, 24/131), hypertriglyceridemia (18.3%, 24/131), elevated creatine phosphokinase (12.2%, 16/131), herpes simplex (5.3%, 7/131), and transaminitis (5.3%, 7/131). Five patients (3.8%) discontinued UPA due to treatment-related AEs (myalgia/arthralgia [n=2]; gastrointestinal discomfort [n=1]; venous thromboembolism [n=1]; folliculitis [n=1]). No serious infections, tuberculosis, major adverse cardiovascular events, gastrointestinal perforation, or malignancy were observed in 67.4 patient-years of safety follow-up. Conclusions Our real-world study shows that UPA is an effective and safe therapy for AD, with high levels of skin clearance and a favorable safety profile between weeks 20-32. These results indicate that UPA may perform better in the real-world versus clinical trial setting, as compared to the Heads Up and Rising Up studies at week 24, specifically for IGA 0/1 and EASI75/EASI90/EASI100 achievement. This may be explained by less severe baseline disease severity in our study. Limitations of this study include its sample size and retrospective nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The systematic review in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine & Surgery examines the outcomes of systemic biologic therapy for refractory chronic urticaria, a challenging inflammatory skin condition. Omalizumab was the most common systemic biologic used, achieving complete resolution in 73.3% of cases. The review highlights the effectiveness of systemic biologics, particularly omalizumab and ligelizumab, in treating refractory chronic urticaria, although further studies are needed to confirm these findings. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a letter to the editor of the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine & Surgery, discussing the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis (SD) using biologic and small molecule therapies. The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature and found that targeted biologics and small molecules, such as roflumilast, crisaborole, apremilast, ruxolitinib, and ustekinumab, showed promise in treating SD. The review included 8 articles with a total of 500 patients and 501 treatments. The authors noted that complete resolution of SD was most frequently observed with ustekinumab, ruxolitinib, crisaborole, and roflumilast. They also mentioned that there were some cases of treatment-related adverse events, but overall, the evidence supports the use of biologic and small molecule therapies for SD. However, the authors acknowledged the limitations of the studies, including a lack of standardized outcome measures and short follow-up. They concluded that larger-scale studies are needed to further investigate these treatments. [Extracted from the article]

The document titled "Use of Biologic Treatment for Cutaneous Behcet's Disease: An Evidence-Based Review" published in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine & Surgery explores the efficacy and safety of biologic treatment for mucocutaneous manifestations of Behcet's disease. The study reviewed 27 articles from 2005-2023, involving 310 patients with mucocutaneous Behcet's disease. Biologics such as adalimumab and ustekinumab showed promising results in treating mucocutaneous lesions, with some patients experiencing complete resolution. Adverse events included infections, hypersensitivity reactions, and injection site reactions. Further longitudinal studies are recommended to validate these findings. [Extracted from the article]