Influence of body mass index and weight on etanercept efficacy in patients with psoriasis: A retrospective study

AIM: To investigate the role of body mass index (BMI) and weight in the long-term efficacy of etanercept in patients with psoriasis. METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively analysed. Extracted data included weight, BMI, comorbidities and psoriasis area severity index (PASI). Patients were stratified by weight (<80 kg or ≥80 kg) and BMI (healthy, BMI 22 – 24.99 kg/m(2); overweight, BMI 25 – 29.99 kg/m(2); obese, BMI ≥30 kg/m(2)). RESULTS: The study included 66 patients. Body weight had no effect on etanercept efficacy. There was a significant reduction in etanercept efficacy in obese patients (n = 12) compared with healthy weight (n = 33) or overweight (n = 21) patients. CONCLUSION: Obesity has a negative effect on the efficacy of etanercept in psoriasis.