Psoriasis induced by anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy: a paradoxical adverse reaction

Arthritis Rheum. 2005 Aug;52(8):2513-8. doi: 10.1002/art.21233.

Abstract

Administration of anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents is beneficial in a variety of chronic inflammatory conditions, including psoriasis. We describe 5 patients in whom psoriasiform skin lesions developed 6-9 months after the initiation of anti-TNF therapy for longstanding, seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (etanercept or adalimumab), typical ankylosing spondylitis (infliximab), and Adamantiades-Behçet's disease (infliximab). In all 5 patients, the underlying disease had responded well to anti-TNF therapy. Four patients developed a striking pustular eruption on the palms and/or soles accompanied by plaque-type psoriasis at other skin sites, while 1 patient developed thick erythematous scaly plaques localized to the scalp. In 3 patients there was nail involvement with onycholysis, yellow discoloration, and subungual keratosis. Histologic findings from skin biopsies were consistent with psoriasis. None of these patients had a personal or family history of psoriasis. In all patients, skin lesions subsided either with topical treatment alone, or after discontinuation of the responsible anti-TNF agent. The interpretation of this paradoxical side effect of anti-TNF therapy remains unclear but may relate to altered immunity induced by the inhibition of TNF activity in predisposed individuals.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adalimumab
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
  • Behcet Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Etanercept
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / adverse effects*
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psoriasis / chemically induced*
  • Psoriasis / pathology
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / immunology
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing / drug therapy
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Adalimumab
  • Etanercept