Biologic Response Modifiers and Pediatric Psoriasis

The efficacy and safety of biologic response modifiers such as etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab, and ustekinumab have been demonstrated in the treatment of psoriasis in adults, but none are currently approved for the treatment of psoriasis in children in the United States, and only etanercept is approved for the treatment of psoriasis in children in the European Union. Through case reports, case series, and a large clinical trial of the use of etanercept, the literature supports the use of these agents to treat psoriasis in children. Data on the use of the tumor necrosis factor- antagonists etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab in the treatment of other inflammatory diseases in childrennamely Crohn's disease, juvenile arthritis, and uveitissupport their safety profile in children.