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Infliximab for hidradenitis suppurativa: report of seven consecutive patients
Author(s) -
Dupuy Alain,
Fardet Laurence,
Kerob Delphine,
Levy Annabelle,
Bachelez Hervé,
Morel Patrice,
Lebbe Celeste
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.108
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0625
pISSN - 0906-6705
DOI - 10.1111/j.0906-6705.2006.0436o.x
Subject(s) - medicine , infliximab , hidradenitis suppurativa , premedication , surgery , quality of life (healthcare) , anesthesia , tumor necrosis factor alpha , disease , nursing
Purpose: To evaluate all consecutive patients treated with infliximab for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Patients and methods: Within 1 year, all consecutive patients seen in our department for HS (1) resistant to usual medical therapies (2) which could not be easily cured by surgery (3) not treated with new medication within 2 months before inclusion were treated intravenously with infliximab (5 mg/kg) without corticosteroids premedication. Four infusions were planned (week 0, week 2, week 6 and week 10) before the interruption of therapy and follow‐up. Clinical activity of HS and quality of life of the patients were assessed immediately before the first, the third and the fourth infusions of infliximab. Results: Seven patients were included. Five completed the four infusions. Two patients received only three infusions because of severe side effects. The Sartorius score moderately improved with infliximab (mean score at week 0: 94 ± 39, at week 6: 71 ± 38 and at week 10: 83 ± 48). At week 6, patients judged the efficacy of therapy as marked ( n = 1), moderate ( n = 4) or null ( n = 2). At week 10, five patients were evaluated and judged this efficacy as marked ( n = 2), moderate ( n = 2) or null ( n = 1). The mean Skindex‐29 score varied from 22 ± 11 (E: 25 ± 9, S: 13 ± 5, F: 28 ± 12) at week 0 to 18 ± 10 (E: 22 ± 8, S: 12 ± 8, F: 22 ± 12) at week 10. Conclusion: The efficacy of infliximab in severe HS is partial. More experience is needed before finding a place for infliximab in the therapeutic armamentarium for HS.