Researchers of a recent study found that treatment with oral dimethyl fumarate significantly improved disease classification criteria in patients with plaque psoriasis. Even patients who discontinued the treatment before week 52 exhibited substantial improvements in physical area involvement and pruritus. The study was conducted as part of the Psoriasis Standardized Diagnosis and Treatment Center Project in Germany, from July 2019 to February 2022, and included 180 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
The effectiveness of dimethyl fumarate was measured using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), body surface area, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA), and ItchyQoL [quality of life] scores at baseline and various intervals up to 52 weeks. Results showed notable improvements, with the proportion of patients achieving PASI <3 rising significantly by week 52. DLQI scores indicating minimal impact on quality of life also improved, and PGA scores showed reductions in severity. Despite a high drop-out rate, the study demonstrated that dimethyl fumarate is an effective treatment for patients with psoriasis in difficult-to-treat areas, though adverse reactions led to discontinuation in some cases.
Reference: Andrus E. Oral Dimethyl Fumarate Improves All Disease Classification Criteria in Plaque Psoriasis. Dermatology Times. Published July 22, 2024. Accessed August 2, 2024. https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/oral-dimethyl-fumarate-improves-all-disease-classification-criteria-in-plaque-psoriasis
