Does Ixekizumab Affect Cardiovascular Parameters After Treatment?

Patients with psoriasis often have cardiovascular comorbidities and more cardiovascular risk factors. Cardiovascular disease and psoriasis share similar immunologic profiles as both are mediated by type 1 and type 17 helper T cells. Therefore, when biologic agents that target this immunologic pathway are used for treatment they may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular parameters.

A recent study looked at how the use of ixekizumab treatment for psoriasis affected cardiovascular-related parameters. The study used data from adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who were already enrolled in randomized, double-blind clinical trials for ixekizumab. As part of the study, patients provided bloodwork that evaluated fasting lipid profiles, advanced lipid profiles, serum chemistry analyses, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein assays. In addition, the study monitored vital signs (blood pressure and pulse rate), and electrocardiograms.

The results showed that overall, there were no significant changes observed in the bloodwork after 60 weeks of treatment with ixekizumab. In addition, blood pressure and electrophysiologic parameters remained stable and unchanged overall. Even as ixekizumab effectively reduced systemic and skin inflammation, it had a neutral effect on cardiovascular parameters.

The authors conclude that providers do not need to alter decisions to treat with other medications or interventions targeting cardiovascular-related parameters when using ixekizumab to treat psoriasis.