Scientists Discover Cells That Control Inflammation in Chronic Disease
ScienceDaily (Nov. 17, 2009) — A new type of immune cell that can be out of control in certain chronic inflammatory diseases, worsening the symptoms of conditions like psoriasis and asthma, is described for the first time this week in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
The authors of the study, from Imperial College London, the Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata in Rome and the Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM) in Munich, hope their discovery could lead to new treatments for these diseases that would bring the cells under control.
The new cell described in the study, called a Th22 cell, is a kind of T-helper cell. These cells are white blood cells that help to activate other immune cells when the body is infected by a pathogen, such as a virus or bacterium. They also control inflammation in the body to help fight off infection.
According to the new study, Th22 cells play a special role in overseeing and coordinating immune cells that cause inflammation. In chronic and allergic inflammatory diseases like psoriasis and allergic eczema, Th22 cells appear to be malfunctioning, leading to excessive inflammation, which can worsen symptoms.
The researchers hope that it may ultimately be possible to treat chronic skin and possibly also airway diseases by targeting Th22 cells with new drugs.
Dr Carsten Schmidt-Weber, one of the lead authors of the study from the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College London, said: "We are seeing an increase in chronic diseases like skin and airway disease because of changes in people's lifestyles. These diseases can have a big impact on people's lives and patients can face a constant battle to keep their symptoms at bay. We are very excited about discovering this new subset of T-helper cells, as we believe it could provide a new target for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases in the future."
The researchers discovered Th22 cells by looking at skin samples from people with psoriasis, atopic eczema and allergic contact dermatitis. They analysed the samples and found a completely new type of cell. The researchers examined the molecules the cells made and found that one of them was a signalling molecule called interleukin-22 (IL-22). This signalling molecule warns tissues that inflammation or infection is going to occur, so the tissues can get ready to recognise and attack pathogens or protect themselves against inflammation. The effect of this can be either protective or detrimental -- for example, IL-22 molecules and Th22 cells can cause skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in painful, flaking skin.
The authors of the new study hope that their new discovery will provide scientists developing treatments for inflammatory disorders with a new cellular drug target. The researchers are now investigating the role of these cells in greater detail and exploring their role in disease progression. In addition, Dr Schmidt-Weber and his colleagues want to know how the cells are generated in the body and whether there is any way to control these cells before they cause unwanted damage.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Introducing Psoriasis-Ltd
Psoriasis-Ltd is a blend of soothing, beneficial minerals specially formulated to work synergistically with your skin to improve the appearance of skin-related conditions. Psoriasis sufferers have seen an excellent improvement in the appearance of their skin condition after stopping their current treatments and applying Psoriasis-Ltd III. Most psoriasis sufferers become frustrated by spending many years and dollars in their search for the best treatment.
Psoriasis-Ltd is now in their seventh successful year of serving psoriasis sufferers throughout the world. Over 98% of Psoriasis-Ltd III users report great satisfaction with the condition of their skin even where adverse symptoms of skin problems were present for years. Psoriasis-Ltd III does not stain clothes or bedding, does not smell, and dries invisibly on the skin in less than one minute.
Psoriasis-Ltd is now in their seventh successful year of serving psoriasis sufferers throughout the world. Over 98% of Psoriasis-Ltd III users report great satisfaction with the condition of their skin even where adverse symptoms of skin problems were present for years. Psoriasis-Ltd III does not stain clothes or bedding, does not smell, and dries invisibly on the skin in less than one minute.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Scaly, Flaky Ears Could Be a Sign of Ear Psoriasis
Psoriasis is commonly found in the ears too. Ear Psoriasis can appear as dry flaky patches in the ear canal. Psoriasis can cause scale buildup that blocks the ear canal. This scaling can result in the blockage of the ear canal affecting hearing. Psoriasis rarely affects the eardrum. Ear psoriasis is usually found in the external ear canal, not inside the ear or behind the eardrum. Psoriasis of the ears occurs in approximately 18 percent of all patients at some time.
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Ocular Symptoms of Psoriasis
Up to 10% of people with psoriasis will report some symptoms of eye involvement. Psoriasis of the eyes can cause dryness, redness and swelling of the eye. There may be redness and crusting around the corners of the eyelid. If left untreated, vision impairment may occur.Treatment can include moisture drops, eye washes or a limited time dose of steroid drops.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Psoriasis and Arthritis
Psoriasis is a chronic disease of the skin which causes marks of red patches that are covered with scales. These can appear everywhere on the body, including the scalp, elbows, knees, and even the genital region. Nail changes are also common, and psoriasis can also even cause hair loss.
In regards to the correlation between arthritis and psoriasis, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration. For instance, in regards to the matter of arthritis and psoriasis, one can easily trigger the other, and so it is incredibly important that if you suffer from either one that you make sure to see your physician as soon as possible so that they can properly diagnose you and help you to find the best remedy possible.
The matter of arthritis and psoriasis is an incredibly important one that must be taken into the most serious consideration, and since arthritis and psoriasis are so closely correlated, you may not even recognize the symptoms of one or the other before it is too late. Thus, it is important to get regular checkups so that hopefully your physician will notice the signs and symptoms of either and then appropriately tell you the proper treatment in regards to the diagnosis.
By: John Ugoshowa
In regards to the correlation between arthritis and psoriasis, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration. For instance, in regards to the matter of arthritis and psoriasis, one can easily trigger the other, and so it is incredibly important that if you suffer from either one that you make sure to see your physician as soon as possible so that they can properly diagnose you and help you to find the best remedy possible.
The matter of arthritis and psoriasis is an incredibly important one that must be taken into the most serious consideration, and since arthritis and psoriasis are so closely correlated, you may not even recognize the symptoms of one or the other before it is too late. Thus, it is important to get regular checkups so that hopefully your physician will notice the signs and symptoms of either and then appropriately tell you the proper treatment in regards to the diagnosis.
By: John Ugoshowa
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Treating Psoriasis With Dermatitis-Ltd
Sufferers of psoriasis have seen an excellent improvement in one to two weeks in their psoriasis skin condition appearance after stopping their previous psoriasis treatments. It has been found that most of our psoriasis customers have been frustrated for years in spending much money in their search for the best psoriasis treatment. Dermatitis-Ltd is now in its seventh successful year of serving psoriasis sufferers throughout the world with a 100% refund guarantee for any reason within 120 days. Overall, over 98% of Dermatitis-Ltd III users confirm that they have found an improvement in the appearance of their skin where persistant psoriasis problems had been for so long. Dermatitis-Ltd III does not stain clothes, bedding, and does not smell, and usually dries on on the skin in less than one minute while being invisible on the skin.
The Effects Of Nail Psoriasis
About 50 percent of people with active psoriasis have psoriatic changes in fingernails and/or toenails. In some instances psoriasis may occur only in the nails and nowhere else on the body. Psoriatic changes in nails range from mild to severe, generally reflecting the extent of psoriatic involvement of the nail plate, nail matrix (tissue from which the nail grows), nail bed (tissue under the nail), and skin at the base of the nail. Damage to the nail bed by the pustular psoriasis can result in loss of the nail. Nail changes in psoriasis fall into general categories that may occur singly or all together:The nail plate is deeply pitted, probably due to defects in nail growth caused by psoriasis. The nail has a yellow to yellow-pink discoloration, probably due to psoriatic involvement of the nail bed. White areas appear under the nail plate. These are air bubbles marking spots where the nail plate is becoming detached from the nail bed (onycholysis). There may be reddened skin around the nail.The nail plate crumbles in yellowish patches (onychodystrophy), probably due to psoriatic involvement in the nail matrix.The nail is entirely lost due to psoriatic involvement of the nail matrix and nail bed.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Cardiovascular Risks For Psoriasis Sufferers
Psoriasis sufferers have an increased frequency of a variety of cardiovascular risk factors including diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood cholesterol levels, and smoking, results of a study confirm.
In particular, the current results suggest that psoriasis is associated with key components of the metabolic syndrome -- a clustering of heart risk factors -- and that this association is stronger in cases of severe psoriasis.
This finding is important, say the investigators, given that individuals with as few as one or two metabolic syndrome risk factors are at heightened risk for death due to cardiovascular disease.
"Our other studies suggest that, independent of other risk factors, severe psoriasis itself may be a risk factor for heart attack," Dr. Joel M. Gelfand from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia told Reuters Health. "Therefore, patients with psoriasis should be screened for cardiovascular risk factors, and if these risk factors are present, they should be managed appropriately."
Gelfand and colleagues identified 127,706 patients with mild psoriasis and 3,854 with severe psoriasis. Each psoriasis patient was matched to up to five psoriasis-free control subjects.
Diabetes was present in 7.1 percent of patients with severe psoriasis and in 4.4 percent of those with mild psoriasis compared with just 3.3 percent of controls.
High blood pressure was present in 20 percent of patients with severe psoriasis, 14.7 percent of those with mild psoriasis and 11.9 percent of controls. Elevated cholesterol or "hyperlipidemia" was documented in 6 percent, 4.7 percent, and 3.3 percent, respectively.
Nearly 20.7 percent of individuals with severe psoriasis and 15.8 percent of those with mild psoriasis were obese compared with roughly 13.2 percent of controls. Thirty-one percent of those with severe psoriasis were smokers compared with 28 percent of those with mild psoriasis and 20.7 percent of psoriasis-free controls.
Compared with controls, patients with mild psoriasis had higher adjusted odds of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and smoking. Patients with severe psoriasis had higher adjusted odds of diabetes, obesity, and smoking.
Additionally, diabetes and obesity were more prevalent in patients with severe psoriasis than in those with mild psoriasis.
Patients with psoriasis should be encouraged to identify and manage their modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, the authors conclude.
SOURCE: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, December 2006.
In particular, the current results suggest that psoriasis is associated with key components of the metabolic syndrome -- a clustering of heart risk factors -- and that this association is stronger in cases of severe psoriasis.
This finding is important, say the investigators, given that individuals with as few as one or two metabolic syndrome risk factors are at heightened risk for death due to cardiovascular disease.
"Our other studies suggest that, independent of other risk factors, severe psoriasis itself may be a risk factor for heart attack," Dr. Joel M. Gelfand from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia told Reuters Health. "Therefore, patients with psoriasis should be screened for cardiovascular risk factors, and if these risk factors are present, they should be managed appropriately."
Gelfand and colleagues identified 127,706 patients with mild psoriasis and 3,854 with severe psoriasis. Each psoriasis patient was matched to up to five psoriasis-free control subjects.
Diabetes was present in 7.1 percent of patients with severe psoriasis and in 4.4 percent of those with mild psoriasis compared with just 3.3 percent of controls.
High blood pressure was present in 20 percent of patients with severe psoriasis, 14.7 percent of those with mild psoriasis and 11.9 percent of controls. Elevated cholesterol or "hyperlipidemia" was documented in 6 percent, 4.7 percent, and 3.3 percent, respectively.
Nearly 20.7 percent of individuals with severe psoriasis and 15.8 percent of those with mild psoriasis were obese compared with roughly 13.2 percent of controls. Thirty-one percent of those with severe psoriasis were smokers compared with 28 percent of those with mild psoriasis and 20.7 percent of psoriasis-free controls.
Compared with controls, patients with mild psoriasis had higher adjusted odds of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and smoking. Patients with severe psoriasis had higher adjusted odds of diabetes, obesity, and smoking.
Additionally, diabetes and obesity were more prevalent in patients with severe psoriasis than in those with mild psoriasis.
Patients with psoriasis should be encouraged to identify and manage their modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, the authors conclude.
SOURCE: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, December 2006.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
The History Of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is probably one of the longest known illnesses of humans and simultaneously one of the most misjudged and misunderstood. Some scholars believe psoriasis to have been included among the skin conditions called tzaraat in the Bible.
Tzaraat was a punishment for sin whose cure could only be found in repentance and forgiveness. In more recent times psoriasis was frequently described as a variety of leprosy. It became known as Willan's lepra in the late 18th century when English dermatologists Robert Willan and Thomas Bateman differentiated it from other skin diseases and provided the first rational nomenclature based on the appearance of lesions. Willan identified two categories: leprosa graecorum and psora leprosa.
While it may have been visually, and later semantically, confused with leprosy it was not until 1841 that the condition was finally given the name psoriasis by the Viennese dermatologist Ferdinand von Hebra. The name is derived from the Greek word psora which means to itch.[3]
It was during the 20th century that psoriasis was further differentiated into specific types.
Tzaraat was a punishment for sin whose cure could only be found in repentance and forgiveness. In more recent times psoriasis was frequently described as a variety of leprosy. It became known as Willan's lepra in the late 18th century when English dermatologists Robert Willan and Thomas Bateman differentiated it from other skin diseases and provided the first rational nomenclature based on the appearance of lesions. Willan identified two categories: leprosa graecorum and psora leprosa.
While it may have been visually, and later semantically, confused with leprosy it was not until 1841 that the condition was finally given the name psoriasis by the Viennese dermatologist Ferdinand von Hebra. The name is derived from the Greek word psora which means to itch.[3]
It was during the 20th century that psoriasis was further differentiated into specific types.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Psoriasis Awareness Week 6th - 10th November 2006
Psoriasis is a relapsing skin condition that affects around 2% of the population in the UK. Unlike normal skin, with psoriatic skin the cells renew every 2-3 days compared to normal skin cells which mature every 21-28 days. This fast turnover of cells can result in raised itchy red patches of skin covered with silvery scales.
Psoriasis can have a major impact on many different aspects of day to day life. Coping with treatment, dealing with other people's reactions to the condition and even doing things we take for granted like swimming and sunbathing can be awkward for sufferers.
Psoriasis can have a major impact on many different aspects of day to day life. Coping with treatment, dealing with other people's reactions to the condition and even doing things we take for granted like swimming and sunbathing can be awkward for sufferers.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Understanding Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. It is characterized by raised, inflamed (red) lesions covered with a silvery white scale. The scale is actually a buildup of dead skin cells. The technical name for plaque psoriasis is psoriasis vulgaris (vulgaris means common).
Plaque psoriasis may appear on any skin surface, though the knees, elbows, scalp, and trunk are the most common locations. Sometimes the patches of infected skin are large, extending over much of the body. The patches, known as plaques or lesions, can wax and wane but tend to be chronic. These can be very itchy and if scratched or scraped they may bleed easily. The plaques usually have a well-defined edge and, while they can appear anywhere on the body, the most commonly affected areas are the scalp, knees and elbows. However, if the scalp is involved, you may develop psoriasis on the hairline and forehead. The actual appearance of the plaques can depend on where they are found on the body. Plaques found on the palms and soles can be scaly, however they may not be very red in color. This is due to the thickness of the skin at these sites. If the plaques are in moist areas, such as in the creases of the armpits or between the buttocks, there is usually little or no scaling. The patches are red and have a well-defined border. Chronic (or common) plaque psoriasis affects over 90% of sufferers. It appears usually on the scalp, lower back, elbows, arms, legs, knees and shoulders. It is very much an adult condition.
Plaque psoriasis may appear on any skin surface, though the knees, elbows, scalp, and trunk are the most common locations. Sometimes the patches of infected skin are large, extending over much of the body. The patches, known as plaques or lesions, can wax and wane but tend to be chronic. These can be very itchy and if scratched or scraped they may bleed easily. The plaques usually have a well-defined edge and, while they can appear anywhere on the body, the most commonly affected areas are the scalp, knees and elbows. However, if the scalp is involved, you may develop psoriasis on the hairline and forehead. The actual appearance of the plaques can depend on where they are found on the body. Plaques found on the palms and soles can be scaly, however they may not be very red in color. This is due to the thickness of the skin at these sites. If the plaques are in moist areas, such as in the creases of the armpits or between the buttocks, there is usually little or no scaling. The patches are red and have a well-defined border. Chronic (or common) plaque psoriasis affects over 90% of sufferers. It appears usually on the scalp, lower back, elbows, arms, legs, knees and shoulders. It is very much an adult condition.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Psoriasis Linked to Higher Risk of Heart Attack
Psoriasis sufferers may face an increased risk of having a heart attack, a new study suggests.
The risk appears to be most pronounced among younger patients with more severe forms of the disease, according to a paper appearing in the Oct. 11 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
"This study is really quite important," said Liz Horn, director of research for the National Psoriasis Foundation. "There have been a few other studies, but this one is important because it uses such a large database. This is just one more very important study that gives more evidence."
While more studies are needed to confirm the findings, "the potential is there for someone who has severe psoriasis who is in their 50s or 40s, of having a heart attack," said lead researcher Dr. Joel Gelfand, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, in Philadelphia.
"The relative risk due to severe psoriasis is similar to the relative risk of having a heart attack from having diabetes," he said. "But the absolute risk [to any one person] is low. If you have severe psoriasis and are in your 40s, the risk of having a heart attack due to psoriasis is about one in 600 per year."
Psoriasis is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, occurring when the body inexplicably begins overproducing skin cells. The extra cells pile up on the surface of the skin before they have a chance to mature, creating bright red patches that cause itching, burning and stinging. The disease affects 2 percent to 3 percent of the adult population.
Some previous studies had shown an association between psoriasis and cardiovascular diseases but those studies could not rule out obesity, smoking and other risk factors as the true culprits.
In this study, the authors examined medical records from a large sample of patients aged 20 to 90 in the United Kingdom. The sample included more than half a million controls (people without psoriasis), more than 125,000 patients with mild psoriasis and almost 4,000 with severe psoriasis.
Heart attacks were more common in patients with severe psoriasis (five heart attacks per 1,000 person-years) and mild psoriasis (four heart attacks per 1,000 person-years) compared with the controls (about 3.6 heart attacks per 1,000 person-years).
Individuals who were younger and had more severe disease had the highest relative risk, with a 30-year-old patient with mild disease having a 29 percent greater risk than a person without psoriasis. A 30-year-old patient with severe psoriasis had about triple the risk and a 60-year-old patient with severe disease had a 36 percent increased risk.
It is thought that earlier-onset psoriasis (before age 40) is more severe than later-onset disease (after age 40). About three-quarters of patients will develop psoriasis before they turn 40.
"People with psoriasis have a bigger tendency to smoke, be obese, have high blood pressure and other things we know are risk factors for cardiovascular disease," Gelfand said. "The thing we've done, which hadn't been done before for psoriasis, was to control for these risk factors. We found that psoriasis still increases the risk of having a heart attack."
The common denominator may be inflammation, the researchers said.
"Immune activity is important for establishing atherosclerosis or blockage of the arteries and promoting them to rupture into a heart attack," Gelfand explained. "The same immune cells involved in this are involved in psoriasis. Other diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis -- which share common immune factors -- [also] have an increased risk of heart disease. This is a scientific theory that has been evolving over the last decade or so but still needs additional studies to confirm."
In the meantime, patients with psoriasis should not be alarmed but should see a physician and be screened for cardiovascular risk factors, Gelfand said. And, if you do have risk factors, you should treat them according to current guidelines. This includes stopping smoking and losing excess weight.
"There needs to start being a conversation between patients and physicians about the risk of cardiovascular disease and what psoriasis patients should be doing to decrease risks," Horn said.
"This is really important information," she said. "But it's still very early in understanding what all this means. I do think general health issues about cardiovascular disease and lifestyle modification is probably a good starting place."
"This study is of great concern and it underscores why we believe the National Institutes of Health should be increasing research on psoriasis," Michael Paranzino, president of Psoriasis Cure Now, said in a staement. "Unlocking the apparent link between psoriasis and heart attack risk may help us improve treatments both for psoriasis and heart attack prevention. The 'heartbreak of psoriasis' is supposed to be a tired punch line, not a literal truth."
"This study suggests that estimates of the impact of psoriasis, both in terms of dollars spent and lives lost, may be undercounting the true burden of this disease," Paranzino added. "With NIH funding having doubled over the last decade but psoriasis funding down 20 percent, this study should serve as a wake-up call that increasing psoriasis research funding should become a national priority. One of the key questions that patients need answered is whether aggressive treatment of psoriasis can reduce this increased heart attack risk."
The risk appears to be most pronounced among younger patients with more severe forms of the disease, according to a paper appearing in the Oct. 11 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
"This study is really quite important," said Liz Horn, director of research for the National Psoriasis Foundation. "There have been a few other studies, but this one is important because it uses such a large database. This is just one more very important study that gives more evidence."
While more studies are needed to confirm the findings, "the potential is there for someone who has severe psoriasis who is in their 50s or 40s, of having a heart attack," said lead researcher Dr. Joel Gelfand, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, in Philadelphia.
"The relative risk due to severe psoriasis is similar to the relative risk of having a heart attack from having diabetes," he said. "But the absolute risk [to any one person] is low. If you have severe psoriasis and are in your 40s, the risk of having a heart attack due to psoriasis is about one in 600 per year."
Psoriasis is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, occurring when the body inexplicably begins overproducing skin cells. The extra cells pile up on the surface of the skin before they have a chance to mature, creating bright red patches that cause itching, burning and stinging. The disease affects 2 percent to 3 percent of the adult population.
Some previous studies had shown an association between psoriasis and cardiovascular diseases but those studies could not rule out obesity, smoking and other risk factors as the true culprits.
In this study, the authors examined medical records from a large sample of patients aged 20 to 90 in the United Kingdom. The sample included more than half a million controls (people without psoriasis), more than 125,000 patients with mild psoriasis and almost 4,000 with severe psoriasis.
Heart attacks were more common in patients with severe psoriasis (five heart attacks per 1,000 person-years) and mild psoriasis (four heart attacks per 1,000 person-years) compared with the controls (about 3.6 heart attacks per 1,000 person-years).
Individuals who were younger and had more severe disease had the highest relative risk, with a 30-year-old patient with mild disease having a 29 percent greater risk than a person without psoriasis. A 30-year-old patient with severe psoriasis had about triple the risk and a 60-year-old patient with severe disease had a 36 percent increased risk.
It is thought that earlier-onset psoriasis (before age 40) is more severe than later-onset disease (after age 40). About three-quarters of patients will develop psoriasis before they turn 40.
"People with psoriasis have a bigger tendency to smoke, be obese, have high blood pressure and other things we know are risk factors for cardiovascular disease," Gelfand said. "The thing we've done, which hadn't been done before for psoriasis, was to control for these risk factors. We found that psoriasis still increases the risk of having a heart attack."
The common denominator may be inflammation, the researchers said.
"Immune activity is important for establishing atherosclerosis or blockage of the arteries and promoting them to rupture into a heart attack," Gelfand explained. "The same immune cells involved in this are involved in psoriasis. Other diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis -- which share common immune factors -- [also] have an increased risk of heart disease. This is a scientific theory that has been evolving over the last decade or so but still needs additional studies to confirm."
In the meantime, patients with psoriasis should not be alarmed but should see a physician and be screened for cardiovascular risk factors, Gelfand said. And, if you do have risk factors, you should treat them according to current guidelines. This includes stopping smoking and losing excess weight.
"There needs to start being a conversation between patients and physicians about the risk of cardiovascular disease and what psoriasis patients should be doing to decrease risks," Horn said.
"This is really important information," she said. "But it's still very early in understanding what all this means. I do think general health issues about cardiovascular disease and lifestyle modification is probably a good starting place."
"This study is of great concern and it underscores why we believe the National Institutes of Health should be increasing research on psoriasis," Michael Paranzino, president of Psoriasis Cure Now, said in a staement. "Unlocking the apparent link between psoriasis and heart attack risk may help us improve treatments both for psoriasis and heart attack prevention. The 'heartbreak of psoriasis' is supposed to be a tired punch line, not a literal truth."
"This study suggests that estimates of the impact of psoriasis, both in terms of dollars spent and lives lost, may be undercounting the true burden of this disease," Paranzino added. "With NIH funding having doubled over the last decade but psoriasis funding down 20 percent, this study should serve as a wake-up call that increasing psoriasis research funding should become a national priority. One of the key questions that patients need answered is whether aggressive treatment of psoriasis can reduce this increased heart attack risk."
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Remicade Receives Expanded Approval To Treat Psoriatic Arthritis
The FDA has granted an additional indication for infliximab (Remicade) for inhibiting the progression of structural damage and improving physical function in patients who have psoriatic arthritis. This indication is in addition to Remicade’s already approved indication in dermatology for reducing the signs and symptoms of active arthritis in patients who have psoriatic arthritis. The expanded indication is based on data from the double-blind placebo-controlled IMPACT and IMPACT 2 trials. Here are the key findings from those trials upon which approval was based:
• IMPACT 2 — an analysis of 1 year of radiographs revealed that patients treated with Remicade experienced significant inhibition of the progression of structural damage as compared with patients who received placebo, according to their van der Heijde-Sharp scores.
• IMPACT — By week 16 in this trial, patients who received Remicade experienced significant improvement in functional status with a median improvement of 50% in their scores on the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index, as compared to a 2% improvement in this score for study participants in the placebo group. These scores were typically the same throughout the nearly 2-year study.
• Improved Skin Symptoms — In addition to the above findings, 64% of patients in the IMPACT study achieved a 75% improvement from baseline in their psoriasis symptoms. These improvements also were maintained throughout the nearly 2-year study.Remicade is administered in a dose of 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks during a 2-hour infusion.
• IMPACT 2 — an analysis of 1 year of radiographs revealed that patients treated with Remicade experienced significant inhibition of the progression of structural damage as compared with patients who received placebo, according to their van der Heijde-Sharp scores.
• IMPACT — By week 16 in this trial, patients who received Remicade experienced significant improvement in functional status with a median improvement of 50% in their scores on the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index, as compared to a 2% improvement in this score for study participants in the placebo group. These scores were typically the same throughout the nearly 2-year study.
• Improved Skin Symptoms — In addition to the above findings, 64% of patients in the IMPACT study achieved a 75% improvement from baseline in their psoriasis symptoms. These improvements also were maintained throughout the nearly 2-year study.Remicade is administered in a dose of 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks during a 2-hour infusion.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Aims And Purposes Of World Psoriasis Day, October 29th
World Psoriasis Day is an evolving project with more and more individuals, experts and patient associations from around the world getting involved over time.
The aims for WPD were defined by the Steering Committee as follows:
1. Raise awareness about psoriasis: World Psoriasis Day communication and activities should for example explain that psoriasis is a non contagious skin condition that can affect anybody and that people with psoriasis are really no different inside from anyone else. The World Psoriasis Day project should also aim to dispel myths about the condition.
2. Encourage healthcare decision makers to give psoriasis suffers better access to the most appropriate therapies for their condition: World Psoriasis Day should aim to encourage healthcare decision makers for example governments, physicians, carers and all those responsible for psoriasis care/ medicines to allow psoriasis sufferers access to all the most appropriate therapies. For too long psoriasis has not been seen as a priority with patients not always getting access to the most appropriate therapies for their condition.
3. Deliver relevant information and knowledge to interested parties: World Psoriasis Day should aim to provide information and knowledge to those who are affected by psoriasis/ psoriatic arthritis as well as the general public, in order that people can be better informed about the condition, develop a better understanding, enabling them to be more confident to speak about it.
4. Provide a patient voice platform: World Psoriasis Day should provide a platform from which the 'patient voice' can be heard and from which people with psoriasis can be encouraged to speak out about their needs and wants.www.worldpsoriasisday.com
The aims for WPD were defined by the Steering Committee as follows:
1. Raise awareness about psoriasis: World Psoriasis Day communication and activities should for example explain that psoriasis is a non contagious skin condition that can affect anybody and that people with psoriasis are really no different inside from anyone else. The World Psoriasis Day project should also aim to dispel myths about the condition.
2. Encourage healthcare decision makers to give psoriasis suffers better access to the most appropriate therapies for their condition: World Psoriasis Day should aim to encourage healthcare decision makers for example governments, physicians, carers and all those responsible for psoriasis care/ medicines to allow psoriasis sufferers access to all the most appropriate therapies. For too long psoriasis has not been seen as a priority with patients not always getting access to the most appropriate therapies for their condition.
3. Deliver relevant information and knowledge to interested parties: World Psoriasis Day should aim to provide information and knowledge to those who are affected by psoriasis/ psoriatic arthritis as well as the general public, in order that people can be better informed about the condition, develop a better understanding, enabling them to be more confident to speak about it.
4. Provide a patient voice platform: World Psoriasis Day should provide a platform from which the 'patient voice' can be heard and from which people with psoriasis can be encouraged to speak out about their needs and wants.www.worldpsoriasisday.com
Friday, September 15, 2006
Humira Exceeds Expectations In Treating Psoriasis
Recently revealed data show a study of Abbott Laboratories (ABT) drug Humira and its ability to treat the skin disease psoriasis exceeded expectations and topped results in an earlier trial, an Abbott official said Tuesday.
Results from the Phase 3 trial have not yet been publicly released and will be presented at a conference early next month. But data in the trial were recently "unblinded," and Humira showed "significantly better efficacy than approved biologics" in psoriasis treatment, said Thomas Freyman, Abbott's chief financial officer.
Freyman spoke at a Bear Stearns conference that was broadcast on the Internet.
The recent trial looked at Humira, a placebo and methotrexate - a standard drug used for years to treat psoriasis - to see which treatment scored best after 16 weeks on a standard scale of psoriasis treatment. The recently revealed data showed that the trial was better than expected and better than a Phase 2 trial, Freyman said.
An Abbott spokeswoman confirmed that the latest trial met its primary endpoint, or goal. Safety information from the trial will be released, along with more specific trial data, at October's European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology conference in Rhodes, Greece.
Humira, which posted $1.4 billion in global sales last year, is currently approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis of the spine and psoriatic arthritis - but not psoriasis itself. Abbott plans to file with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for psoriasis-treatment approval in the first half of 2007.
The skin disease is one of multiple indications that could significantly expand Humira's reach and revenue-generating potential if the treatment is approved.
Abbott announced last week that it has filed with U.S. and European regulators seeking approval to market Humira for the treatment of moderate to severe Crohn's disease, a serious and chronic intestinal inflammatory disorder.
Abbott also plans to file with the FDA next year, seeking approval to use Humira to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis, another intestinal inflammatory disease.
Freyman said Abbott continues to target Humira sales of more than $1.9 billion this year, and noted that his company has said that the new indications alone represent a multibillion-dollar opportunity.
"Humira continues to meet or exceed our expectations," he said at the Bear Stearns conference.
"This is a product that's got legs," he added.
Humira is part of a class of treatments called tumor necrosis factor antagonists, or anti-TNF. TNF is a substance believed to play a role in inflammatory conditions.
article by Jon Kamp
Results from the Phase 3 trial have not yet been publicly released and will be presented at a conference early next month. But data in the trial were recently "unblinded," and Humira showed "significantly better efficacy than approved biologics" in psoriasis treatment, said Thomas Freyman, Abbott's chief financial officer.
Freyman spoke at a Bear Stearns conference that was broadcast on the Internet.
The recent trial looked at Humira, a placebo and methotrexate - a standard drug used for years to treat psoriasis - to see which treatment scored best after 16 weeks on a standard scale of psoriasis treatment. The recently revealed data showed that the trial was better than expected and better than a Phase 2 trial, Freyman said.
An Abbott spokeswoman confirmed that the latest trial met its primary endpoint, or goal. Safety information from the trial will be released, along with more specific trial data, at October's European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology conference in Rhodes, Greece.
Humira, which posted $1.4 billion in global sales last year, is currently approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis of the spine and psoriatic arthritis - but not psoriasis itself. Abbott plans to file with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for psoriasis-treatment approval in the first half of 2007.
The skin disease is one of multiple indications that could significantly expand Humira's reach and revenue-generating potential if the treatment is approved.
Abbott announced last week that it has filed with U.S. and European regulators seeking approval to market Humira for the treatment of moderate to severe Crohn's disease, a serious and chronic intestinal inflammatory disorder.
Abbott also plans to file with the FDA next year, seeking approval to use Humira to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis, another intestinal inflammatory disease.
Freyman said Abbott continues to target Humira sales of more than $1.9 billion this year, and noted that his company has said that the new indications alone represent a multibillion-dollar opportunity.
"Humira continues to meet or exceed our expectations," he said at the Bear Stearns conference.
"This is a product that's got legs," he added.
Humira is part of a class of treatments called tumor necrosis factor antagonists, or anti-TNF. TNF is a substance believed to play a role in inflammatory conditions.
article by Jon Kamp
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Improving Your Psoriasis
Dermatitis-Ltd is a blend of soothing, beneficial minerals specially formulated to work synergistically with your skin to improve the appearance of psoriasis and psoriasis-related conditions.
Individuals with psoriasis experience skin conditions such as itching, cracking, stinging, burning, or bleeding (ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). These symptoms are usually worse in the winter months due to the lack of sunlight and low indoor humidity (Hall 132). The skin is most likely to crack at the joints where the body bends or in areas where the individual fails to refrain from scratching. Scratching can also lead to bleeding and infection, which is why it should be avoided at all costs. This skin condition has also been known to affect fingernails and toenails by causing pits or dents in them. There is also the possibility that the soft tissue inside the mouth and genitalia can be affected. In some cases, individuals experience joint inflammation, which can lead to the development of arthritis symptoms. This condition is known as psoriatic arthritis.
Individuals with psoriasis experience skin conditions such as itching, cracking, stinging, burning, or bleeding (ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). These symptoms are usually worse in the winter months due to the lack of sunlight and low indoor humidity (Hall 132). The skin is most likely to crack at the joints where the body bends or in areas where the individual fails to refrain from scratching. Scratching can also lead to bleeding and infection, which is why it should be avoided at all costs. This skin condition has also been known to affect fingernails and toenails by causing pits or dents in them. There is also the possibility that the soft tissue inside the mouth and genitalia can be affected. In some cases, individuals experience joint inflammation, which can lead to the development of arthritis symptoms. This condition is known as psoriatic arthritis.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Defining Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic scaling skin. It may range from just a few spots anywhere on the body to large areas of involvement. It is not contagious or spread able from one part of the body to another or from one person to another. There is no blood test to diagnose psoriasis. The diagnosis is made by observation and examination of the skin. Sometimes microscopic examination of the skin (biopsy) is helpful where the changes are not typical or characteristic. The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but hereditary and genetic factors are important. Psoriasis runs in families. This does not mean, however, that every child of a parent with psoriasis will develop psoriasis, but it is common that somewhere down the line psoriasis will appear in families. Psoriasis is not caused by allergies, infections, dietary deficiencies or excesses, or nervous tension.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Types Of Psoriasis
There are five different types of psoriasis. The most common form of psoriasis is called "plaque psoriasis," which is characterized by well-defined patches of red, raised skin. About 80 percent of people with psoriasis have this type. Plaque psoriasis can appear on any skin surface, although the knees, elbows, scalp, trunk and nails are the most common locations. The other types of psoriasis are: Guttate described as small, red, individual drops on the skin. Inverse psoriasis is smooth, dry areas of skin, often in folds or creases, that are red and inflamed but do not have scaling Erythrodermic psoriasis is characterized as periodic, widespread, fiery redness of the skin. Pustular psoriasis which involves either generalized, widespread areas of reddened skin, or localized areas, particularly the hands and feet (palmo-plantar pustular psoriasis).Typically, people have only one form of psoriasis at a time. Sometimes two different types can occur together, one type may change to another type, or one type may become more severe. For example, a trigger may convert plaque psoriasis to pustular.
The Chronic Psoriasis Picture
Psoriasis is a chronic scaling skin. It may range from just a few spots anywhere on the body to large areas of involvement. It is not contagious or spread able from one part of the body to another or from one person to another. There is no blood test to diagnose psoriasis. The diagnosis is made by observation and examination of the skin. Sometimes microscopic examination of the skin (biopsy) is helpful where the changes are not typical or characteristic. The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but hereditary and genetic factors are important. Psoriasis runs in families. This does not mean, however, that every child of a parent with psoriasis will develop psoriasis, but it is common that somewhere down the line psoriasis will appear in families. Psoriasis is not caused by allergies, infections, dietary deficiencies or excesses, or nervous tension.
Understanding Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common immune-mediated chronic skin disease that comes in different forms and varying levels of severity. Most researchers now conclude that it is related to the immune system (psoriasis is often called an "immune-mediated" disorder).It is not contagious. In general, it is a condition that is frequently found on the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet or lower back. Many treatments are available to help manage its symptoms. More than 4.5 million adults in the United States have it. Between 10 percent and 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop a related form of arthritis, called psoriatic arthritis.
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