4th Croatian-Italian Symposium on Psoriasis

The 4th Croatian-Italian Symposium on Psoriasis was held in Zagreb, Croatia, on November 13th 2008. The Symposium was organized by the University Department of Dermatology and Venereology from Zagreb University Hospital Center and School of Medicine. The presidents of the Symposium were Professor Jasna Lipozencic, Head doctor Aida Pasic and Professor Giusto Trevisan.

This symposium was intended to present the latest state-of-the-art in the immunopathogenesis and genetics of psoriasis, along with current therapeutic options for this cutaneous disease that has significant implications for the patient quality of life. The program of the Symposium also brought new concepts on psoriasis association with arthritis and metabolic syndrome. The disease characteristics in some specific patient populations (children and pregnant women) and the impact of psoriasis on the patient quality of life were presented. Considering all that is known about psoriasis, there is always the same question to be answered: how to best help the patient? That is why a considerable part of the Symposium was dedicated to the treatment of psoriasis, i.e. current therapeutic options with biologics.

Beside renowned dermatovenerologists from Croatia and Italy, we had eminent guests from Germany, France and Slovenia. Together with Italian colleagues they shared their experience in treating psoriasis with biologics. We discussed also well known therapies for psoriasis, as retinoids, methotrexate and fumaric acids. 

The Symposium program attracted interest of  physicians involved in management of psoriasis, e.g., dermatologists/venereologists, residents in dermatology/venereology, family physicians, physiatrists and residents in physical medicine, pediatricians, those engaged in pediatric dermatology in particular, and others.

On the end of Symposium it was organized Round table were perspectives in psoriasis management 2009 were discussed. The next, 5th Croatian-Italian Symposium will be held in Italy in 2010.  

Scientific Secretary of Symposium

Dr Romana Ceovic