Bayesian network meta-analysis of head-to-head trials for complete resolution of nail psoriasis

Abstract Background Almost 50% of patients with skin psoriasis have concomitant nail involvement. The comparative effectiveness of the available biologics for nail psoriasis (NP) is still an area of contention because of limited data on nails. Objectives We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare the efficacy of biologics in achieving complete resolution of NP. Methods We identified studies in PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus. The eligibility criteria included randomized controlled trial (RCTs) or cohort studies for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis with at least two arms of active comparator of biologic reporting at least one efficacy outcome of interest: that is the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI), the modified NAPSI or the Physician's Global Assessment of Fingernail Psoriasis with a score of 0. Results Fourteen studies comprising seven treatments met the inclusion criteria, and were included in the NMA. The NMA showed the odds of complete NP resolution were superior with ixekizumab [risk ratio (RR) 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73–3.10] compared with the treatment of reference (adalimumab). Brodalumab (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.14–7.40), guselkumab (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.40–1.80), infliximab (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.19–4.60) and ustekinumab (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.08–1.60) demonstrated worse therapeutic effect compared with adalimumab. According to the surface under the cumulative ranking curve, ixekizumab 80 mg every 4 weeks had the highest probability of being the best treatment. Conclusions The interleukin-17A inhibitor ixekizumab has the highest rate of complete nail clearance and it can be considered the best-ranked therapy from the present evidence. This study is relevant to daily practice as it facilitates the decision when choosing between the wide variety of available biologics in patients for whom clearance of nail symptoms is the first concern.