Etanercept: a new option in paediatric plaque psoriasis

Psoriasis in children and adolescents can be disfiguring and adversely affect quality of life. A range of treatments are available that can control the condition, but not all patients respond or are able to tolerate the treatments. The anti‐TNF alpha inhibitors are used effectively in adult psoriasis but are not currently licensed for use in children. The anti‐TNF etanercept (Enbrel) has been studied in childhood psoriasis and is likely to gain a licence in the near future. In this article, the authors discuss current treatment approaches in childhood psoriasis and describe the efficacy, tolerability and potential place of etanercept in practice. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.