Background: Anti-tumor-necrosis-factor-alpha agents are limited by their side effects. Eczema is one of the most frequent adverse reactions affecting quality of life.
Objective: To assess potential predictive risk factors for eczema in patients receiving infliximab.
Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study including patients treated with infliximab for a variety of disorders with the exception of cutaneous psoriasis. Clinical features were compared among patients with and without eczema under therapy.
Results: 92 consecutive patients were included; 15 developed eczema after the initiation of infliximab. In univariate analyses, a personal history of atopic symptoms was the only predictive factor for the occurrence of eczema (odds ratio = 3.6). Sex, age, principal diagnosis, dose and duration of infliximab and concomitant use of other immunosuppressors had no influence on the occurrence of eczema.
Conclusions: A personal history of atopic symptoms is predictive of eczema under infliximab. Specific information should be provided to atopic patients starting such a treatment.
(c) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.