Biological therapy in patients with psoriasis: what we know about the effects on renal function.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis affecting 2-3% of the general population. The link between psoriasis and renal dysfunction has been investigated, demonstrating a common pro-inflammatory pathogenesis. This study is aimed at evaluating renal function in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis treated with biological therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS We analyzed 92 patients, correlating PASI and serum creatinine levels at baseline, after 6 months and after 1 year of continuous treatment with biological therapy. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and the linear mixed model for PASI and serum creatinine levels correlation, whereas the analysis of variances (ANOVA) was used for creatinine levels assessment between the baseline, the 6-months and, 1-year later evaluation. RESULTS We observed a significant mean decrease in comparing serum creatinine levels after 1 year of biological therapy (p<0.001). Interestingly, PASI reduction is correlated with creatinine decrease, and the renal function improvement is greater when complete psoriasis remission is attained. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that a drop in systemic inflammation, secondary to biological therapy administration, might improve renal function. Future research is needed to confirm and expand our findings. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.