title: Comparing treatment outcome of infliximab and adalimumab in patients with severe hidradenitis suppurativa.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic relapsing skin disease. Recent studies have shown promising results of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha treatment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the efficacy and safety of infliximab and adalimumab in the treatment of HS.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective study was performed to compare 2 cohorts of 10 adult patients suffering from severe, recalcitrant HS. In 2005, 10 patients were treated with infliximab intravenous (i.v.) (3 infusions of 5 mg/kg at weeks 0, 2, and 6). In 2009, 10 other patients were treated in the same hospital with adalimumab subcutaneous (s.c.) 40 mg every other week. Both cohorts were followed up for 1 year using identical evaluation methods [Sartorius score, quality of life index, reduction of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), patient and doctor global assessment, and duration of efficacy].
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nineteen patients completed the study. In both groups, the severity of the HS diminished. Infliximab performed better in all aspects. The average Sartorius score was reduced to 54% of baseline for the infliximab group and 66% of baseline for the adalimumab group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Adalimumab s.c. 40 mg every other week is less effective than infliximab i.v. 5 mg/kg at weeks 0, 2, and 6.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. D.C.vanrappard@amc.uva.nl
authors.forename: Dominique C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: van Rappard
authors.forename: Marjolein F E
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Leenarts
authors.forename: Leonie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Meijerink-van 't Oost
authors.forename: Jan R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Mekkes
mesh_terms: D000068879:Adalimumab; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017497:Hidradenitis Suppurativa / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000069285:Infliximab; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D000069285:Infliximab; D000068879:Adalimumab