Date of Award
3-2017
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
Department Chair
John Cavenagh, MBA, PhD, PA-C
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not apremilast (Otezla) is effective in reducing pruritus in adults over 18 years old with plaque psoriasis
STUDY DESIGN: This review is based on three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in 2012, and 2015.
DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of apremilast to a placebo in reducing pruritus in adults over 18 years old with plaque psoriasis, found using PubMed.
OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcome studied was improvement of the psoriatic plaques based on reduction in pruritus measured by the Pruritus Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score.
RESULTS: Papp et al. (2012) showed a significant reduction in pruritus while using 30 mg of apremilast BID (p<0.0004). The study by Papp et al. (2015) showed that apremilast resulted in a significantly greater improvement compared to placebo, in reducing pruritus (p<0.0001). The study by Paul et al. displayed significant improvements in pruritus when compared to the placebo (p<0.001)
CONCLUSIONS: Results of all three studies demonstrate that 30mg of apremilist BID is effective in reducing pruritus in adults with plaque psoriasis. Each study showed improvement of pruritus with minimal side effects.
Recommended Citation
Carnes, Stephanie N., "Is Apremilast (Otezla) Effective in Reducing Pruritus in Adults over 18 Years Old with Plaque Psoriasis?" (2017). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 405.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/405