P08 Study on the impact of COVID-19 infection in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis on biologics: a tertiary centre experience in India

Abstract Introduction As the world faced COVID-19 pandemic, significant concerns were raised regarding its impact on specific patient groups due to paucity of real-world evidence. Individuals with psoriasis undergoing biologic therapy face heightened vulnerability to severe disease. This study aimed to examine the effects of COVID-19 infection on patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis treated with biologic agents. Materials and Methods Medical records of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis undergoing biologic treatment at a tertiary care centre were retrospectively reviewed from March 2021 to June 2021. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection, identified through positive polymerase chain reaction tests, were included. Data on patient demographics, disease characteristics, symptoms, and vaccination status were collected and analysed. Results Among 34 infected patients (26 males, 8 females), median age was 50 years (range: 18–70) with a median psoriatic disease duration of 12 years (range: 12–32). Median psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) was 14, with 22.2% of patients having psoriatic arthritis. Comorbidities included overweight (34.4%), obesity (39.2%), dyslipidaemia (24.4%), diabetes mellitus (11.7%), arterial hypertension (7.0%), and coronary artery disease (2.3%). Most patients experienced mild COVID-19 symptoms; 3 required hospitalization due to dyspnoea and hypoxia. At the time of infection, 80% had received at least one dose of mRNA vaccine. Conclusion Our findings suggest that patients receiving biologic therapy for psoriasis did not exhibit a higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. Also, biologic treatment did not appear to impact disease severity adversely indicating potential benefits such as reduced infection risk and milder symptoms. Continuation of biologic therapy in psoriasis patients, even during the pandemic, is essential for effective disease management. Patient education and counselling regarding hesitancy are equally important in such difficult times.