Changes in metabolic parameters in psoriasis patients treated with interleukin-12/23 blockade (ustekinumab)

Background: The associations between psoriasis, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular events are increasingly recognized. Studies have shown decreased cardiovascular events with the treatment of methotrexate and anti-tumor necrosis factor-α. However, effects of interleukin (IL)-12/23 blockade remain debatable. Objectives: Our study sought to investigate the effect of IL-12/23 blockade on the metabolic parameters in patients with psoriasis. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study to assess 93 consecutive patients with moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis who received IL-12/23 blockade (ustekinumab) for 24 weeks between January 2012 and May 2016. Results: Metabolic parameters and disease activity (psoriasis area severity index score) at baseline and 24 weeks of treatment were collected. At week 24 (wk24), the disease activity improved significantly (mean: baseline, wk0: 21.35 ± 11.55 to wk24: 6.87 ± 6.81, P