Manifestation of palmoplantar pustulosis during or after infliximab therapy for plaque-type psoriasis: report on five cases

Arch Dermatol Res. 2008 Mar;300(3):101-5. doi: 10.1007/s00403-008-0831-8. Epub 2008 Feb 1.

Abstract

Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody directed against TNF-alpha. It has been approved for use in rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriatic arthritis and plaque-type psoriasis. In case reports, positive effects on pustular variants of psoriasis have also been reported. However, paradoxically, manifestation of pustular psoriasis and plaque-type psoriasis has been reported in patients treated with TNF antagonists including infliximab for other indications. Here, we report on 5 patients with chronic plaque-type psoriasis who developed palmoplantar pustulosis during or after discontinuation of infliximab therapy. In two of the five cases, manifestation of palmoplantar pustulosis was not accompanied by worsening of plaque-type psoriasis. Possibly, site-specific factors or a differential contribution of immunological processes modulated by TNF inhibitors to palmoplantar pustulosis and plaque-type psoriasis may have played a role.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Dermatologic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Male
  • Psoriasis / etiology*
  • Psoriasis / immunology
  • Psoriasis / pathology
  • Psoriasis / therapy*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Infliximab