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Psoriasis — SCE Dermatology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateInflammatory DermatosesPsoriasisSCE Dermatology

A 58-year-old woman with chronic plaque psoriasis has failed conventional systemic therapy and one biologic. She is being considered for switching to a second biologic. According to BAD guidelines, which of the following is NOT an acceptable reason for biologic switching?

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Correct answer: C — Patient preference alone without documented treatment failure

BAD biologic guidelines require documented treatment failure or adverse events before switching biologics in psoriasis. Acceptable reasons include: primary non-response (inadequate PASI response after adequate treatment period), secondary loss of response (loss of initially achieved response), intolerable adverse effects, development of contraindications, and serious infection requiring cessation. Patient preference alone without documented treatment failure is not an accepted reason for switching per NHS commissioning criteria. PASI 75 or a 50% reduction in PASI with a 5-point improvement in DLQI are typical response thresholds.

Reference: BAD 2020 Biologic Psoriasis Guidelines