Biologics don’t improve renal function in patients with severe psoriasis

In patients with severe psoriasis, biologics with potent anti-inflammatory action did not improve or worsen renal function, during a 2-year follow-up period, according to a study.

The renal function changes of 601 patients with severe psoriasis were analyzed from 2 years before starting biologic treatments to the start of biologic treatment (baseline) to 2 years after treatment with different classes of biologics (anti-TNF, anti-IL-12/23, and anti-IL-17 agents).

There were no significant differences in the levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) staging found between pre-biologic treatment with conventional systemic treatment and post-biologic treatment among patients receiving different classes of biologics.

CKD remained stable in 97.8% of patients, with 2.2% (n = 13) experiencing progression over time. Of the 13 with CKD progression, 7 were treated with anti-TNF biologics and 6 with anti-IL-12/23 biologics.

All patients (n = 52) receiving anti-IL-17 biologics had stable CKD.

Progression of CKD while being treated with biologics was associated with lower baseline levels of eGFR, higher baseline CKD stage, older age, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.

Reference
Chen CB, Huang YT, Hsiao CC, et al. Real-World Effects of Biologics on Renal Function in Psoriatic Patients: A Retrospective Study. BioDrugs. 2022;doi: 10.1007/s40259-022-00547-5. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35994233.