Background: The cutaneous adverse effects of TNFalpha inhibitors and their potential implication in the onset of associated dermatoses remain poorly understood.
Purpose: To describe the different clinical dermatological situations seen in patients treated with TNFalpha inhibitors.
Patients and methods: We conducted a prospective, observational study of patients followed at the Dermatology Department of the CHU Nord university teaching hospital of Marseilles. All patients, referred by various departments, were treated with TNFalpha inhibitors and presented cutaneous events.
Results: Forty-one patients were included in the study. Various cutaneous manifestations were observed, including: 15 psoriatic rashes, six skin infections, three eczema rashes, three cases of lupic syndrome, two anaphylactic reactions to infusion and two cutaneous drug reactions. An original case of parapsoriasis was observed. Cutaneous tumors are rarely described.
Discussion: This study confirms the multiple clinical dermatological situations observed in patients treated with TNFalpha inhibitors and illustrates the need for good coordination between dermatologists and other specialists in order to ensure optimal management of this population.
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