Benefits vs. side effects of Adalimumab treatment in Psoriasis/Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a seronegative, inflammatory joint disease. In most patients with PSA, skin psoriasis precedes arthritis; however, the causality is multi-factorial and many aspects related to it remain unclear. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays essential role in the pathogenesis of PsA and psoriasis. Hence, the selective inhibition of TNF-α leads to significant improvement of disease activity in patients with immunologically mediated inflammation such as psoriasis and PsA. Adalimumab has been demonstrated to improve functional and dermatological-related limitations. However, not all patients have a good response to Adalimumab, and the long-term safety remains unknown. In this literature review we are highlighting the benefits versus possible side effect of adalimumab in treating psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis.