EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF APREMILAST IN PATIENTS WITH MODERATE TO SEVERE PLAQUE PSORIASIS
Main Article Content
Keywords
Apremilast, Efficacy, PASI, Psoriasis, Safety
Abstract
Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that significantly impacts the quality of life of affected individuals. Apremilast, an oral phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, has shown promise in managing moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis without severe side effects associated with other systemic treatments.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Apremilast monotherapy in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis over a 12-week period.
Methods: A quantitative study was conducted at PIMS hospital Islamabad with a sample of 40 participants. Patients aged 18 years and above, diagnosed with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and not on oral medications for psoriasis for last three months, were included. The study employed a pre-test and multiple post-tests to evaluate Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Apremilast was administered starting at 15 mg once daily, gradually increased ( 15 mg per day) to 30 mg twice daily. Comprehensive assessments included physical and psychiatric evaluations, with follow-ups and laboratory tests to monitor side effects and efficacy. Standard deviations of PASI scores were calculated to assess changes over time.
Results: The study observed a significant decrease in mean PASI scores from 14.60 (±4.37) at baseline to 7.08 (±3.23) at week 12. Side effects were minimal, with 70% of participants reporting no side effects. Most common adverse effects were nausea (10%), diarrhea (7.5%), and headache (5%).
Conclusion: Apremilast monotherapy is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, demonstrating significant improvements in PASI scores with minimal side effects.
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Dr. Huma Imran
FCPS (Resident Dermatology), PIMS, Islamabad
Dr. Riaz Khan Marwat
Head of Department (Department of Dermatology), PIMS Islamabad
Dr. Mahvish Aftab Khan
Assistant Prof. (Department of Dermatology), PIMS, Islamabad
Dr. Umer Imran Dhillon
MBBS (4th Year Student), Foundation University Medical College (FUMC), Islamabad
Dr. Ali Imran Dhillon
FCPS (Resident Paediatrics), PAEC General Hospital Islamabad
Dr. Amina Imran
BDS, AMC, Rawalpindi
Dr. Javeria Hasan
FCPS (Resident General Medicine), PIMS Islamabad