Paradoxical Psoriasis Induced by Ustekinumab: A Comprehensive Review and Case Report

Medicina (Kaunas). 2024 Jan 6;60(1):106. doi: 10.3390/medicina60010106.

Abstract

Ustekinumab (UST), a biologic agent targeting interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, is widely used in the management of psoriasis and Crohn's disease. Despite its efficacy, there have been instances of paradoxical psoriasis induction or exacerbation in some patients during UST therapy. This paper offers a comprehensive review of reported cases of UST-induced paradoxical psoriasis, including a case from our clinic. We focus on a 39-year-old female patient with a history of long-standing Crohn's disease who developed a psoriasiform rash, as confirmed by biopsy, while undergoing UST treatment. The patient's clinical journey, from initial diagnosis through the complexities of treatment adjustments due to various complications including drug-induced lupus and the subsequent onset of psoriatic manifestations, provides insight into the challenges encountered in the clinical management of such cases. This review emphasizes the necessity for clinicians to recognize the possibility of paradoxical psoriasis in patients receiving UST treatment and calls for further research to better understand this phenomenon and devise effective management strategies.

Keywords: Crohn’s disease; biologics; paradoxical psoriasis; ustekinumab.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ambulatory Care Facilities
  • Crohn Disease* / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-12
  • Psoriasis* / chemically induced
  • Psoriasis* / drug therapy
  • Ustekinumab / adverse effects

Substances

  • Ustekinumab
  • Interleukin-12

Grants and funding

The authors did not receive any funding for the research reported in the manuscript. The article processing charge for open access publication of this paper was supported by the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, through the institutional program Publish not Perish.