Exacerbation of psoriasis under efalizumab therapy.
BACKGROUND
Efalizumab is a recombinant humanized IgG1-kappa isotype monoclonal antibody that binds to CD11a, inhibiting T-cell activation. It has been approved for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Efalizumab has been associated with the development of skin eruptions during the administration period, and this probably represents the potential psoriasis events observed during its administration.


OBJECTIVE
We report a case of exacerbation of psoriasis under efalizumab administration. A reversible increase in lymphocyte count with normal total white blood cell count was also noticed.


CONCLUSIONS
Larger series are probably needed to establish clinical and histopathologic criteria and to determine the terminology used regarding the psoriasis adverse events seen with efalizumab treatment.
Rallis
Efstathios
E
Department of Dermatology, Army General Hospital, Athens, Greece. efrall@otenet.gr
Verros
Constantinos
C
Karanikola
Evmorfia
E
Valaskatzi
Argyro
A
Papaconstantis
Markos
M
D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D018845:CD11 Antigens; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008297:Male; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D018845:CD11 Antigens; C472181:efalizumab