Ustekinumab for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

  • Technology appraisal guidance
  • TA180
  • Published: 
  • Last updated: 
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1 Recommendations

1.1

Ustekinumab is recommended as an option for treating plaque psoriasis in adults, only when the condition:

  • is severe, as defined by a total Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score of 10 or more and a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score of more than 10, and

  • has not responded to conventional systemic treatments and phototherapy, or these options are contraindicated or not tolerated.

1.2

Ustekinumab treatment should be stopped in people whose psoriasis has not responded adequately by 16 weeks after starting treatment. An adequate response is defined as either:

  • a 75% reduction in the PASI score (PASI 75) from when treatment started or

  • a 50% reduction in the PASI score (PASI 50) and a 5-point reduction in the DLQI score from when treatment started.

1.3

When using the DLQI, healthcare professionals should take into account any physical, sensory or learning disabilities, or communication difficulties that could affect the responses to the DLQI and make any adjustments they consider appropriate.