Efficacy and safety of biologics and small molecules for psoriasis in pediatric and geriatric populations. Part I: focus on pediatric patients

Abstract

Introduction: Psoriasis management is challenging, especially in pediatric age for different factors. The introduction of biologic drugs and oral small molecules (OSM) revolutionized the armamentarium of available weapons in psoriasis treatment. Despite the use of these drugs in adult patients has been widely investigated, pediatric patients have often been unconsidered in clinical trials and real-life studies. However, the high efficacy and speed of action, the safety profile and the ease-to-use administration make these innovative drugs an invaluable therapeutic opportunity.

Areas covered: The aim of this manuscript is to perform a review of the current literature examining data on the effectiveness and safety of biologic drugs and OSM for the management of psoriasis in pediatric patients in order to put the basis for universally shared treatment algorithm following available evidence. PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines were used for the literature research.

Expert opinion/commentary: Our review based on currently available evidence suggests biologics and OSM as an ideal treatment option for pediatric patients, with an excellent profile in terms of efficacy and safety as compared to traditional systemic drugs.

Keywords: Psoriasis; biologics; childhood; pediatric; small molecules; treatment.