Treatment with Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonists and Their Possible Effects on Morbidity and Mortality in Psoriasis Patients

Abstract

Psoriasis is associated with numerous comorbid conditions, including psoriatic arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease, which often share a similar pathogenesis and follow a progressive pattern. Biologic agents, specifically those targeting tumor necrosis factor, constitute a relatively new, effective, and safe treatment modality for this disease. Because these agents are effective in suppressing the inflammation that occurs in psoriasis, they appear to play a key, but somewhat novel, role in preventing some comorbidities. This review article attempts to elucidate this concept through the currently available literature. We evaluate the possible effects of tumor necrosis factor antagonists on the natural history of psoriasis comorbidities in an effort to shed some light on this exciting frontier.