Use of systemic therapies for psoriasis in the COVID-19 era

• Published in: The Journal of dermatological treatment Vol. 33; no. 2; pp. 622 - 625
• Main Authors: Kearns, Donovan G., Uppal, Shelley, Chat, Vipawee S., Wu, Jashin J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 17-02-2022
• Subjects: biologic; COVID-19; Humans; immunosuppressant; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral - epidemiology; psoriasis; Psoriasis - complications; Psoriasis - drug therapy; Psoriasis - epidemiology; systemic treatment; COVID-19; immunosuppressant; systemic treatment; psoriasis; biologic
• ISSN: 0954-6634; 1471-1753
• DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2020.1775774

In late 2019 a viral pneumonia began to spread across the world. The viral disease, COVID-19, is now officially a pandemic, causing concern for the potential risk of systemic therapies for patients with psoriasis.
The purpose of this review is to analyze what is currently known about COVID-19 in regard to the safety of systemic treatment, and to provide guidelines for use in psoriasis during this pandemic.
Review of guidelines from various dermatologic regulatory bodies regarding the use of systemic medications during the COVID-19 pandemic was performed and summarized.
The AAD, NPF and IPC are in agreement regarding their recommendation that patients with active COVID-19 infection should discontinue any biologic therapy.
Patients with active COVID-19 infections should discontinue systemic treatment for psoriasis. Patients with risk factors should discuss continuing treatment on a case by case basis.