Loading...
Ustekinumab is highly effective for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, and phase 2 study results show possible effectiveness for psoriatic arthritis. However, individual reports have linked this drug to new onset or flares of arthritis, so clinicians usually avoid its use in patients with existing or possible arthritis.
In this prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of ustekinumab, patients could continue existing treatment low-dose prednisone and stable, moderate doses of methotrexate. The primary outcome measure was a 20% or greater improvement in American College of Rheumatology (ACR20) criteria at week 24, but effects on the associated skin disease, ACR50, and ACR70 were also measured. The patients receive…