Upadacitinib Versus Acitretin for the Resolution of Pustules in Palmoplantar Pustulosis During Acute Phase: A Single-Center, Open-Label Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by recurrent pustules on the palms and soles. Current treatments, including topical medications, phototherapy, and systemic therapies, often show limited efficacy. Upadacitinib (UPA), a selective JAK1 inhibitor, has shown potential in treating neutrophilic dermatoses by modulating cytokine activity.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of UPA compared with acitretin (ACI) in the acute phase of PPP through a prospective cohort study.

METHODS

This study was conducted at the Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital from August 2024 to January 2025. A total of 79 patients with acute PPP were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive UPA (15 mg daily) or ACI (20 mg daily) for 4 weeks. Efficacy was assessed using pustule counts, Palmoplantar Pustulosis Area and Severity Index (PPPASI), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Safety was evaluated by recording adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS

At week 2, the rate of complete pustule clearance was significantly higher in the UPA group (41.9%) than in the ACI group (10.5%, P = 0.003). By week 4, all patients in the UPA group achieved a pustule count < 30, compared with 63.2% in the ACI group. The UPA group also showed greater reductions in PPPASI and higher response rates for PPPASI 50/75/90. Quality of life improvements, as measured by DLQI, were more pronounced in the UPA group. In terms of safety, UPA had a favorable profile with lower overall AE incidence compared with ACI.

CONCLUSIONS

UPA demonstrated superior efficacy over ACI in rapidly clearing pustules and improving skin lesions and quality of life in acute PPP episodes. The findings suggest that JAK1 inhibition may be a promising therapeutic approach for PPP, warranting further investigation in larger trials.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: [ www.chictr.org.cn ], identifier [ChiCTR2000036186].