[Cutaneous events during anti-TNF alpha therapy: a prospective observational study of 41 cases].

BACKGROUND

The cutaneous adverse effects of TNFalpha inhibitors and their potential implication in the onset of associated dermatoses remain poorly understood.

PURPOSE

To describe the different clinical dermatological situations seen in patients treated with TNFalpha inhibitors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective, observational study of patients followed at the Dermatology Department of the CHU Nord university teaching hospital of Marseilles. All patients, referred by various departments, were treated with TNFalpha inhibitors and presented cutaneous events.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients were included in the study. Various cutaneous manifestations were observed, including: 15 psoriatic rashes, six skin infections, three eczema rashes, three cases of lupic syndrome, two anaphylactic reactions to infusion and two cutaneous drug reactions. An original case of parapsoriasis was observed. Cutaneous tumors are rarely described.

DISCUSSION

This study confirms the multiple clinical dermatological situations observed in patients treated with TNFalpha inhibitors and illustrates the need for good coordination between dermatologists and other specialists in order to ensure optimal management of this population.