Korean J Dermatol.  2010 Jun;48(6):513-516.

Psoriasis Aggravated by Adalimumab: A Paradoxical Adverse Reaction

• Park O
• In SG
• Kang SM
• Hong SP
• Bak H
• Won CH
• Chang SE
• Lee MW
• Choi JH
• Moon KC

Abstract

Adalimumab, a recombinant human IgG monoclonal antibody, selectively blocks tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and has been successfully used in the treatment of immune-mediated diseases. In particular, its efficacy has been proven in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, spondylarthritis, lymphoproliferative diseases and inflammatory bowel disease. Its use has also been studied for the treatment of psoriasis and yet, paradoxically, cases of new onset or exacerbation of psoriasis continue to increase in patients undergoing treatment with anti TNF-alpha agents. A 51-year-old woman had arthritis for a year and was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. After she had received adalimumab for psoriatic arthritis five times during one year, erythematous eruptions were found on her entire body. She then stopped adalimumab therapy for two months, although her skin lesions did not resolve. The patient was diagnosed with psoriasis through biopsy and began using cyclosporine, a topical steroid used for treatment of psoriasis.

Keyword

Adalimumab; Psoriasis; Tumor necrosis factor

MeSH Terms

Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
Arthritis
Arthritis, Psoriatic
Arthritis, Rheumatoid
Biopsy
Cyclosporine
Female
Humans
Immunoglobulin G
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Middle Aged
Psoriasis
Skin
Spondylarthritis
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
Adalimumab
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
Cyclosporine
Immunoglobulin G
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha