Long-term efficacy of adalimumab in generalized pustular psoriasis.
BACKGROUND
Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare form of psoriasis that may either be preceded by plaque psoriasis or arise de novo, classically after withdrawal of systemic glucocorticosteroids. Adalimumab is a fully human, anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody that specifically blocks the interaction of TNF-alpha with the p55 and the p75 TNF-alpha cell surface receptors.


OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the efficacy and tolerability of adalimumab in the treatment of GPP.


METHODS
A 50-year-old woman had suffered from severe pustular psoriasis for 10 years and psoriatic arthritis for 8 years and received treatment with adalimumab, in monotherapy, 40 mg subcutaneously once a week for 72 weeks. DLQI, PDI and SKINDEX 29 score were used to assess patient compliance and satisfaction.


RESULTS
In our case, control of disease manifestations was rapid and clinical remission persisted during the treatment course until the 72th week. Treatment tolerability and compliance were consistent. The patient experienced a dramatic improvement of quality of life instruments.


CONCLUSIONS
In this case, adalimumab has been demonstrated to be effective, safe and appropriate for long-term use, indicating a beneficial effect on quality of life parameters.
Department of Dermatology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy. arianna.zangrilli@libero.it
Arianna
A
Zangrilli
Marina
M
Papoutsaki
Marina
M
Talamonti
Sergio
S
Chimenti
D000068879:Adalimumab; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D015535:Arthritis, Psoriatic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000068879:Adalimumab