Psoriasis vulgaris flare during efalizumab therapy does not preclude future use: a case series.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Severe psoriasis vulgaris can be extremely difficult to treat in some patients, even with the newer biological therapies available today.

CASE PRESENTATIONS:

We present two patients with severe chronic plaque psoriasis who received numerous systemic anti-psoriatic therapies with varied results. Both responded well to initial treatment with efalizumab (anti-CD11a), but then experienced a flare of their disease after missing a dose. However, after disease stablization, both patients responded well to re-introduction of efalizumab, one patient requiring concurrent treatment with infliximab (anti-TNF-alpha).

CONCLUSION:

These cases are presented to characterize this "flare" reaction, and to inform health care providers that efalizumab can still be administered after disease flare, and again may be a successful therapy.

• Authors: Michelle A Lowes, James A Turton, James G Krueger, Ross St C Barnetson
• Journal: BMC dermatology (BMC Dermatol) Vol. 5 Pg. 9 (Aug 18 2005) ISSN: 1471-5945 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 16109173 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• CD11 Antigens
• Immunologic Factors
• Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1
• efalizumab

Topics

• Adult
• Antibodies, Monoclonal (therapeutic use)
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Arthritis, Psoriatic (drug therapy)
• CD11 Antigens
• Female
• Humans
• Immunologic Factors (therapeutic use)
• Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1 (immunology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Compliance
• Psoriasis (drug therapy, immunology)
• Secondary Prevention