Systemic antipsoriatic combination therapy with fumaric acid esters for plaque-type psoriasis: report on 17 cases

Abstract

Background: In the literature as well as in existing psoriasis guidelines, only little evidence is available on combination regimens with systemic antipsoriatic agents. However, if systemic monotherapy is not efficacious enough to control the disease, a combination therapy might be necessary.

Objective: To evaluate the use of fumaric acid esters (FAEs) in combination with other antipsoriatic agents in 6 specialized dermatological departments in Germany.

Methods: A systematic retrospective chart review of patients receiving FAEs was performed.

Results: A total of 17 cases of patients receiving FAEs combined with at least one other systemic therapy (methotrexate, acitretin, etanercept, cyclosporine, leflunomide and infliximab) to treat psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis were identified.

Conclusion: FAEs can be combined in an off-label setting with conventional as well as biological agents to treat recalcitrant psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Safety monitoring should be taken seriously as no controlled data for these combination regimens exist.