Portuguese recommendations for the treatment of psoriasis with biologic therapy

Abstract

Psoriasis is a highly prevalent chronic, inflammatory multisystem disease with a considerable impact on patients' quality of life and the healthcare system. This report presents the recommendations developed by the Portuguese Psoriasis Group of the Portuguese Society of Dermatology and Venereology that address several clinical questions arising during the management and care of psoriasis with biologic therapy, based on the available evidence. The recommendations were generated following thorough evaluation of existing guidelines on the treatment of psoriasis, publications concerning new biologic treatments that have not yet been considered in existing guidelines, as well as expert-based recommendations. Considerations regarding the severity of psoriasis, indications for initiating biologic therapy, parameters to be considered in treatment choice (in particular, treatment goals), as well as recommendations for using and monitoring therapy and screening programmes are also included.