Plaque psoriasis in children and adolescents - the role of etanercept

Childhood-onset psoriasis affects approximately one-third of the psoriatic population. Among many potential treatments of childhood psoriasis, biological agents are emerging as a valuable option in the management of this disease. In Europe, etanercept has recently been approved for children aged 6 years and over. Data from a well-designed clinical trial indicate that in children, etanercept effectively reduces psoriasis symptoms, with beneficial effects evident as early as 4 weeks after the onset of therapy. The treatment is generally well tolerated; mild injection site reactions are the most common adverse events reported in the literature. Published data of etanercept use in children show promising results, but further clinical studies are necessary to confirm its long-term efficacy and safety.