Assessment and monitoring of biologic drug adverse events in patients with psoriasis

BACKGROUND: Current treatment guidelines for biologic therapies in psoriasis differ in their recommendation for the monitoring of adverse events. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to draw together evidence from the currently available guidelines as a summary of how biologics licensed for the treatment of psoriasis should be monitored for adverse events. METHODS: The MEDLINE database was searched to identity the current literature on the safety and screening guidance associated with infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, ustekinumab, and secukinumab. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by the lack of data evaluating monitoring in patients with psoriasis undergoing treatment with a biologic therapy. RESULTS: This review of the current literature highlights that there are areas of routine screening, which are recommended in current practice, which require further evidence to investigate its true utility. CONCLUSION: Most screening and monitoring tests performed routinely in clinical practice are supported by minimal clinical evidence, highlighting the need for more studies to evaluate the role and value of the different modalities of screening and monitoring for adverse events in those with psoriasis receiving treatment with biologic therapies.