Ramasamy P.P, Bharathi .S, Swarnalakshimi .S, Madhavan.R.
ABSTRACT
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with frequent relapses and remissions. The introduction of biologicas increased the remission periods, decreases relapse and hence improve the quality of life.
Method: The study includes 17 adult patients of chronic plaque psoriasis, who received etanercept subcutaneously at a dosage of 50 mg once weekly for 24 weeks, followed by 6 months follow up.
Results: At the end of 12 weeks 8 patients (47.05%) achieved more than 75% reduction of PASI and at the end of 24 weeks 9 patients(52.94%) achieved more than 75% reduction of PASI.
Conclusion: Our study shows that etanercept has good efficacy without any significant side effects and it should be considered in patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis not responding to other conventional modes of therapy.