Infliximab for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa.
BACKGROUND
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by significant morbidity. Current medical therapies are usually only minimally effective.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and safety of infliximab monotherapy for the treatment of severe extensive refractory forms of hidradenitis suppurativa.


METHODS
A retrospective study in a group of 6 patients who received treatment with infliximab for hidradenitis suppurativa, in the Dermatology Department of the University Hospital of Puerto Real in the last year. The dose was 5-10 mg/kg at weeks 0, 2 and 6, followed by a maintenance dose every 4 weeks. Subjective and objective efficacy was assessed before and after each treatment session.


RESULTS
All patients experienced improvement in subjective symptoms after the initial dose. A decrease in exudation, the size and number of lesions and less development of fistulous tracts were observed. The patients were followed up during 6 months. Treatment was generally well tolerated and there was only one mild reaction to the infusion in the form of headache. No patient required treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Infliximab was shown to be an effective therapeutic alternative for severe extensive forms of hidradenitis suppurativa when it is used as monotherapy.
Fernández-Vozmediano
J M
JM
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Puerto Real, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain. fdezvozmediano@dermasur.com
Armario-Hita
J C
JC
D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017497:Hidradenitis Suppurativa / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000069285:Infliximab; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D000069285:Infliximab