Purpose: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of secukinumab in pediatric patients with generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP).
Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted from July 2021 to July 2024, including 10 children with GPP. Patients were divided into two age groups: children aged 0-3 years received 75 mg of secukinumab, while those aged 3-12 years received 150 mg. Secukinumab was administered subcutaneously at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, followed by maintenance every 4 weeks. Treatment response was evaluated using the Generalized Pustular Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (GPPASI), Japanese Dermatological Association (JDA) score, and Infants'/Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (IDLQI/CDLQI).
Results: By week 1, all patients achieved GPPASI-50 and mild JDA scores. By week 2, eight patients reached GPPASI-100, and nine achieved JDA scores of 0/1. Between weeks 12 and 70, all patients maintained GPPASI-100 and JDA scores of 0. Minimal relapses occurred in four patients, and one experienced five flares. The mean IDLQI/CDLQI improved from 21.8 at baseline to 0.4 by week 4, with sustained improvements throughout.
Conclusions: Secukinumab demonstrated long-term efficacy and safety in pediatric GPP, significantly improving clinical outcomes and quality of life, with no serious adverse events reported.
Keywords: GPP; Generalized pustular psoriasis; interleukin 17; long-term; pediatric; secukinumab.