Treatment of psoriasis with efalizumab in patients with hepatitis C viral infection: report of five cases.
BACKGROUND
Concomitant hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) needs caution when selecting systemic treatments in psoriasis patients as some agents confer a risk of liver toxicity and/or are immunosuppressant. Phototherapy may provide a therapeutic choice but it is not always a practical option. Limited evidence supports the use of cyclosporine or TNF-alpha blockers. No data are available concerning the safety of efalizumab in patients with HCV infection.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the clinical characteristics and evolution of 5 adult patients with severe chronic plaque psoriasis and concomitant HCV infection who were treated with efalizumab.


METHODS
A retrospective clinical case report.


RESULTS
Five adult patients with severe chronic plaque psoriasis and concomitant HCV infection were treated successfully using efalizumab with no increased viral replication and progression of liver disease for a follow-up of 8-20 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Although further confirmation is needed, this report provides preliminary evidence to support also a cautious use of efalizumab in patients with HCV infection.
Gisondi
Paolo
P
Department of Biomedical and Surgical Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy. paolo.gisondi@univr.it
Prignano
Francesca
F
Grossi
Paolo
P
Lotti
Torello
T
Girolomoni
Giampiero
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; C472181:efalizumab