A biological approach in a patient with psoriasis and bullous pemphigoid associated with losartan therapy

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2008 Mar;33(2):154-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2007.02603.x. Epub 2007 Nov 16.

Abstract

Several cases of psoriasis associated with bullous disorders have been reported, and it is clearly recognized that bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common bullous disorder observed in association with psoriasis, especially after ultraviolet (UV)B and psoralen UVA therapy. Moreover, other medications have been repeatedly reported to induce bullous diseases, especially pemphigus vulgaris. We report for the first time a case of BP possibly induced by losartan, an angiotensin II antagonist, in a patient with a severe psoriatic background. Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists belong to a new class of drug for hypertension or congestive heart failure with established efficacy and few side-effects. Coexistence of psoriasis vulgaris with bullous diseases represents also a difficult therapeutic challenge. This rare case of psoriasis and generalized BP triggered by a sartan drug was treated with rituximab and etanercept.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology
  • Drug Eruptions / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use
  • Losartan / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pemphigoid, Bullous / chemically induced*
  • Pemphigoid, Bullous / pathology
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Psoriasis / pathology
  • Rituximab
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Rituximab
  • Losartan