RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The anecdotic evidence of the benefits from biologic agents for psoriasis is extensive. However, data on the efficacy of biologic agents for pustular psoriasis are limited. METHODS: To update the data on the efficacy and safety of biologic agents for the management of pustular psoriasis. A systematic review of published data regarding biologic therapies on PubMED database, used in the management of pustular psoriasis from 2012 was undertaken. RESULTS: A total of 209 articles were identified, and 43 articles were selected for inclusion. TNF-α inhibitors were used in 205 patients, and 86 patients received ustekinumab, secukinumab, brodalumab, ixekizumab and IL-1 inhibitors. Overall response was favorable for most modalities. No serious adverse events were reported. Inconsistent measures of treatment response and study variability limited the overall evaluation of data. CONCLUSIONS: Infliximab and ustekinumab have the most evidence of efficacy and safety for the treatment of pustular psoriasis. Recent evidence supports the use of IL-17 antagonists. Prospective controlled and comparative trials are needed to further explore the efficacy and safety of biologic agents in order to establish objective recommendations for the management of this challenging condition.