Successful management of infliximab-induced generalized pustular psoriasis without therapy discontinuation in a patient with psoriatic arthritis

Dermatol Ther. 2019 Nov;32(6):e13132. doi: 10.1111/dth.13132. Epub 2019 Nov 13.

Abstract

While infliximab has been shown to be paradoxically associated with the development of pustular psoriasis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloaripathies, juvenile idiopathic, and inflammatory bowel disease, there are few cases of pustular psoriasis induced by infliximab in patients with psoriasis. We here present a 55-year-old female patient with longstanding plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis who developed generalized pustular psoriasis 1 month after the fifth infusion of infliximab. Given the lack of other side effects and the rapid initial response of the underlying psoriatic arthritis, we opted against discontinuing infliximab therapy, and the sixth infusion of infliximab was administered 10 days ahead of schedule. Topical corticosteroids were added for the management of pustular lesions on initial presentation. One week after the sixth infusion, the pustular psoriatic lesions almost completely disappeared. No recurrence of pustular psoriasis was observed during the 3-month follow-up. Our experience shows that pustular lesions associated with infliximab can be successfully managed with topical corticosteroids without discontinuing infliximab therapy or compromising therapeutic benefit seen upon the underlying condition.

Keywords: generalized pustular psoriasis; infliximab; psoriatic arthritis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage
  • Antirheumatic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infliximab / administration & dosage*
  • Infliximab / adverse effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Psoriasis / chemically induced*
  • Psoriasis / pathology

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Infliximab