Use of Infliximab, an Anti-Tumor Necrosis Alpha Antibody, for Inflammatory Dermatoses

Abstract

Background: Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor alpha currently approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, a controlled trial reported its effectiveness for psoriasis. Objective: The object of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of infliximab for inflammatory or autoimmune cutaneous disorders. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who received infliximab at the University of Miami, Cedars Medical Center. Results: Patients with various disease, including panniculitis, pityriasis rubra pilaris, eosinophilic fasciitis, discoid lupus erythematosus, and necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, received infliximab infusion at a dose of 5 mg/kg. All patients had refractory disease or adverse effects to previous therapy, which included cyclosporine, systemic steroids, azathioprin, clofazimine, mycophenolate mofetil, acitretin, UVB, and thalidomide. Six out of the seven patients improved after treatment. Conclusions: Infliximab was well tolerated in most patients and the majority benefited from the use of infliximab.