Use of infliximab, an anti-tumor necrosis alpha antibody, for inflammatory dermatoses.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor alpha currently approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, a controlled trial reported its effectiveness for psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE:

The object of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of infliximab for inflammatory or autoimmune cutaneous disorders.

METHODS:

A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who received infliximab at the University of Miami, Cedars Medical Center.

RESULTS:

Patients with various disease, including panniculitis, pityriasis rubra pilaris, eosinophilic fasciitis, discoid lupus erythematosus, and necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, received infliximab infusion at a dose of 5 mg/kg. All patients had refractory disease or adverse effects to previous therapy, which included cyclosporine, systemic steroids, azathioprin, clofazimine, mycophenolate mofetil, acitretin, UVB, and thalidomide. Six out of the seven patients improved after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS:

Infliximab was well tolerated in most patients and the majority benefited from the use of infliximab.

• Authors: Anna Drosou, Robert S Kirsner, Esperanza Welsh, Tory P Sullivan, Francisco A Kerdel
• Journal: Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery (J Cutan Med Surg) 2003 Sep-Oct Vol. 7 Issue 5 Pg. 382-6 ISSN: 1203-4754 [Print] United States
• PMID: 14973643 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Dermatologic Agents
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
• Infliximab

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Antibodies, Monoclonal (therapeutic use)
• Dermatologic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Infliximab
• Middle Aged
• Retrospective Studies
• Skin Diseases (drug therapy)
• Treatment Outcome
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (immunology)