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TJ Chao and Kristine Kucera, PA’s share their insights into the patient experience with oral systemic agents for plaque psoriasis.

Patient experience with oral systemic treatments

In this series, dermatologists TJ Chao and Kristine Kucera delve into recent developments in plaque psoriasis treatment, including the emergence of TYK2 inhibitors. They highlight the evolving role of physician assistants in managing plaque psoriasis and discuss its recognition as a systemic disease. The conversation covers lab and monitoring requirements for TYK2 inhibitors like deucravacitinib, alongside a review of short- and long-term clinical trial data. Chao and Kucera offer insights into patient selection and the patient experience with oral systemic agents, providing guidance for selecting appropriate therapies in the expanding treatment landscape.

This summary was AI-generated and edited for clarity.

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Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into ophthalmic disease can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on eye disease research, treatment, and drug development.

Patient Experience With Oral Systemic Treatments

Abigail Brooks is an assistant editor for 

She joined MJH Life Sciences in August 2023 shortly after graduating from Monmouth University where she earned her BA in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations/Journalism and later an MA in Interactive Digital Media. She enjoys traveling, running, and reading books. She can be reached at abrooks@mjhlifesciences.com.

-glycosylation status plays in the pathophysiology of 

, findings from a recent study suggest the role of galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) as a biomarker for risk of disease progression may merit further research.

Results of the systematic review and meta-analysis were published in 

 and showed serum Gd-IgA1 levels were not associated with validated prognostic risk factors but were negatively correlated with kidney function based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

A chronic kidney disease that progresses over time and can eventually lead to end-stage renal disease, IgAN is caused by deposits of IgA in the glomeruli and often goes unnoticed in its earlier stages. Its clinical course varies from patient to patient, underscoring the importance of Identifying patients at greatest risk of progressive kidney failure. Accordingly, there is a need for new biomarkers in IgAN to improve prognostication, treatment selection, and monitoring response to treatment.

“The utility of Gd-IgA1 levels to predict prognosis is unclear with a number of conflicting studies,” Pedro Alves Soares Vaz de Castro, a medical student at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, and colleagues wrote.

To examine the value of serum Gd-IgA1 as a biomarker in IgAN, investigators assessed its association with clinical, laboratory, and histopathological features of IgAN through a systematic review and meta-analysis. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus using the keywords “IgA Nephropathy”, “Berger’s Disease”, “Immunoglobulin A nephropathy” and similar entry terms. Observational studies, including case-control, cohort, and cross-sectional studies, as well as clinical trials were included.

For inclusion, studies were also required to enroll participants with a kidney biopsy-confirmed diagnosis of primary IgAN in whom Gd-IgA1 levels had been measured. Articles published in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese were eligible for inclusion. Investigators excluded studies investigating kidney diseases other than IgAN and recurrent IgAN after kidney transplant.

The initial search yielded 1986 studies, of which 47 were selected for full-text reading after screening the title and abstract and 1938 were excluded due to duplication or not including the study question. A total of 29 studies conducted between 2005 and 2022 ultimately met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review.

Of the included studies, 4 (13.7%) were case-control, 14 (48.2%) were cohort, and 11 (37.9%) were cross-sectional. The studies were from 10 different countries, including China (31.0%), Japan (31.0%), and the United States (17.2%). Investigators noted all studies measured Gd-IgA1 levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, although the technique varied among studies. Additionally, they pointed out a single study measured Gd-IgA1 levels with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Upon analysis, there was no significant difference in serum Gd-IgA1 levels between male and female patients with IgAN. Although 3 studies reported a positive correlation between age and Gd-IgA1 levels, the meta-analysis found no such association.

Investigators noted the association between Gd-IgA1 levels and hypertension, hematuria, and proteinuria were inconsistent. However, despite not being associated with several validated prognostic factors, they called attention to a notable negative correlation between serum Gd-IgA1 and eGFR (r = -0.19; 

Investigators were also careful to note several potential limitations to these findings, including the comparison of studies employing different methods of measuring serum levels of Gd-IgA1 and questionable quality of studies, especially in terms of comparability between groups, that may have led to biases that contributed to the variability of the results.

Nonetheless, investigators concluded that “Serum Gd-IgA1 levels were inconsistently associated with the risk of progressive loss of kidney function, however, there are sufficient data to justify continued evaluation of Gd-IgA1 as a prognostic biomarker in IgAN.”

Vaz de Castro PAS, Amaral AA, Almeida MG, et al. Examining the association between serum galactose-deficient IgA1 and primary IgA nephropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40620-023-01874-8

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Nephropathy. Conditions and Diseases. Accessed April 26, 2024. 

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/immunoglobulin-a-iga-nephropathy

Articles

Results showed a negative correlation between serum Gd-IgA1 and kidney function but found no association with several validated IgAN prognostic risk factors.

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Nephrology

The HCPLive nephrology page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on kidney disease. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments in nephrology, and more.

IgA Nephropathy

The HCPLive Berger disease page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on IgA nephropathy. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments in Berger disease, and more.

Study Highlights Serum Gd-IgA1 as Potential Prognostic Biomarker for IgA Nephropathy

Dermatologists Drs Tina Bhutani and Scott Boswell and patient Kanya Oul share resources and tools available to cope with generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP).

Tips for Managing Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP)

This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Tina Bhutani, MD; J. Scott Boswell, MD; and Kanya Oul, RN.

In the concluding segment of the discussion, Kanya emphasizes the importance of healthcare providers listening to their patients and believing their experiences. She credits her doctor with saving her life and underscores the significance of finding a reliable healthcare provider who understands the patient's condition. Kanya encourages providers to educate themselves and be proactive in referring patients for appropriate care.

The speaker echoes the importance of education, stressing the need for healthcare professionals to stay updated on advancements in their field. He emphasizes the role of primary care physicians and emergency medicine practitioners in recognizing and treating severe skin conditions like generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP). The speaker shares his proactive approach to adopting new treatments for the benefit of his patients.

Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of patient-provider communication, education, and collaboration in effectively managing conditions like GPP. The participants express gratitude for the opportunity to share their insights, underscoring the value of such discussions in improving patient care.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by HCPLive editorial staff.

Plaque Psoriasis

The HCPLive plaque psoriasis page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on psoriasis. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments for psoriatic disease, and more.

Physician assistants TJ Chao and Kristine Kucera share their knowledge on which patients make good candidates for TYK2 inhibitors.

Good Candidates for TYK2 Inhibitors

Coping With and Support for Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP)

The conversation delves into coping mechanisms for dealing with autoimmune diseases, particularly psoriasis. Kanya shares her personal journey of learning to cope with the condition since childhood, highlighting the importance of social support from friends and family. She emphasizes the lack of formal therapy in her upbringing due to various factors but acknowledges the value of seeking support as an adult.

The speaker underscores the systemic nature of psoriasis and the need for comprehensive patient care beyond just treating the skin. He discusses strategies for assessing the impact of the disease on patients' lives, including open communication about symptoms and the benefits of treatment. The discussion also touches on the challenges of finding accurate information and support resources, with emphasis on the role of healthcare providers in guiding patients to evidence-based resources.

Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of social support, accurate information, and comprehensive care in managing autoimmune diseases like psoriasis. It highlights the need for healthcare providers to address the mental health impact of these conditions and guide patients to appropriate support resources.

A patient and 2 dermatologists discuss the impact of generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) on patient’s quality of life.

Impact of Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP) on the Quality of Life

Tim Smith joined the MJH Life Sciences team as an assistant editor for HCPLive in August 2022. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in political science, working in multimedia journalism as a staff writer prior to joining MJH. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching TV, listening to podcasts, and rock climbing. You can contact him at 

This discussion with Ohuabunwa was held at the ACP conference and covered inpatient geriatrics assessment tips for internal medicine physicians.


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Ugochi Ohuabunwa, MD: Tips for Inpatient Geriatric Management, Frailty Assessment

Larry Ereshefsky, PharmD, discussed the effects of brilaroxazine on inflammatory cytokines and neuroinflammation and how this can impact future schizophrenia treatment.

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Larry Ereshefsky, PharmD: Brilaroxazine Improves Schizophrenia Symptoms

Connor Iapoce is an associate editor for 

 and joined the MJH Life Sciences team in April 2021. He graduated from The College of New Jersey with a degree in Journalism and Professional Writing. He enjoys listening to records, going to concerts, and playing with his cat Squish. You can reach him at 

Areas with socioeconomic disadvantage often face concentrated poverty, poor walkability, and few healthcare facilities, creating challenges in eye care follow-up.

Diabetic Macular Edema

The HCPLive diabetic macular edema page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on DME. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for the leading cause of blindness, and more.

Race, Neighborhood Influence Lapses in Diabetic Retinopathy Care 

Lana Pine is the editor of HCPLive Rheumatology. She is an experienced editor and technical writer with a demonstrated history of working in the banking and publishing industries. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, yoga, listening to podcasts, and drawing. She can be reached via email at LPine@mjhlifesciences.com.

Using a cut-off value of 7.1 kPA for liver stiffness, results of the transient elastography yielded 100% sensitivity and 68% specificity among this patient population. 

Psoriatic Arthritis

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Transient Elastography Deemed Reliable Method to Detect Liver Fibrosis in Patients with PsO Treated with MTX

Patrick Campbell is the managing editor of HCPLive. Formerly the editorial lead of Endocrinology Network, Practical Cardiology, and Rheumatology Network, Patrick has spent years spearheading coverage surrounding cardiometabolic health and rheumatic disease for MJH Life Sciences. He now helps to lead coverage in each of these respective areas for HCPLive. Before joining MJH Life Sciences in 2019, he spent time as a beat reporter with the Pocono Record in Stroudsburg, PA, and Star News Group in Manasquan, NJ. He also touts experience in multimedia, having spent time as a multimedia specialist with NJ Advance Media and multimedia coordinator at the Pocono Record. Follow him on Twitter @RealPatCampbell or reach him via email at PCampbell@mjhlifesciences.com.

Matthew Nudy, MD, discusses a trio of meta-analyses examining the effects of intensive blood pressure control on various targets. 

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Matthew Nudy, MD: Balancing the Benefits and Risk of Intensive Blood Pressure Control

Strategies designed to promote medication adherence were found in only 1 out of 3 websites. 

Gout

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Study Highlights Deficiencies in Medication Adherence Information, Strategies for Gout

FDA approves the generic equivalent of Narcan HCI Nasal Spray—naloxone hydrochloride (Naloxone HCI)—for an emergency treatment option for an opioid overdose.

FDA News

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This analysis highlighted several trends in search volume regarding eczema, including correlations with weather and climate.

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Study Highlights Trends in Atopic Dermatitis Web Search Volume in Europe

The extent of stigma significantly differs based on disease visibility and severity among children with chronic skin disorders.

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Latest News

Patient Experience With Oral Systemic Treatments

Study Highlights Serum Gd-IgA1 as Potential Prognostic Biomarker for IgA Nephropathy

Tips for Managing Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP)

Good Candidates for TYK2 Inhibitors

Coping With and Support for Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP)