Efficacy of Ustekinumab in Nail Psoriasis and Improvement in Nail-Associated Quality of Life in a Population Treated with Ustekinumab for Cutaneous Psoriasis: An Open Prospective Unblinded Study

Background: The objective of this open-label prospective unblinded study was to evaluate the efficacy of ustekinumab in nail psoriasis and the improvement of patient quality of life (QoL). Methods: Twenty-seven patients with plaque psoriasis and fingernail involvement were treated with the standard ustekinumab regimen. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and at weeks 4, 16, 28 and 40 using the nail psoriasis severity index (NAPSI). QoL was evaluated before and after treatment using the international onychomycosis-specific questionnaire. Results: The pairwise comparisons showed statistically significant NAPSI reduction in 4, 16, 28 and 40 weeks compared to the baseline score. The mean NAPSI at week 40 was 2.00 +/- 2.337. The international onychomycosis QoL scores were significantly improved at all time points (p < 0.001). No patient reported any adverse events. Conclusions: Even though no control group was used in this study, ustekinumab was effective and safe in the treatment of nail psoriasis. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel