Two cases of refractory erythrodermic psoriasis effectively treated with secukinumab and a review of the literature

Dermatol Ther. 2021 Mar;34(2):e14825. doi: 10.1111/dth.14825. Epub 2021 Feb 16.

Abstract

Erythrodermic psoriasis (EP), which accounts for 1 to 2.25% of all psoriatic cases, typically occurs in patients with poor control of existing psoriasis. Secukinumab yields rapid and sustained improvements of signs and symptoms in patients with plaque psoriasis. Currently, clinical data on the treatment of EP with secukinumab are scarce. We describe two adult patients with severe EP, including one male and one female who were both ineligible for or resistant to acitretin or methotrexate treatment and had additional diseases. The patients underwent treatment with secukinumab using the standard regimen. After 4 weeks of treatment, a 75% reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score (PASI 75) was achieved in both patients. Secukinumab was well tolerated and was continued for at least 32 weeks of treatment. We report the clinical use of secukinumab in the treatment of EP and review its potential role in the management of this severe condition.

Keywords: IL-17A; biologics; case report; erythrodermic psoriasis; secukinumab.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal* / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psoriasis* / diagnosis
  • Psoriasis* / drug therapy
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • secukinumab