Dermatological adverse reactions during anti-TNF treatments: focus on inflammatory bowel disease

J Crohns Colitis. 2013 Nov;7(10):769-79. doi: 10.1016/j.crohns.2013.01.009. Epub 2013 Mar 1.

Abstract

The clinical introduction of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors has deeply changed the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). It has demonstrated impressive efficacy as compared to alternative treatments, allowing for the chance to achieve near-remission and long-term improvement in function and quality of life and to alter the natural history of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). As a consequence of longer follow-up periods the number of side effects which may be attributed to treatment with biologics is growing significantly. Cutaneous reactions are among the most common adverse reactions. These complications include injection site reactions, cutaneous infections, immune-mediated complications such as psoriasis and lupus-like syndrome and rarely skin cancers. We review the recent literature and draw attention to dermatological side effects of anti-TNF therapy of inflammatory bowel disease.

Keywords: Anti-TNF; IBD; Skin manifestations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adalimumab
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects
  • Certolizumab Pegol
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology*
  • Etanercept
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / adverse effects
  • Immunoglobulin G / adverse effects
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Infliximab
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / chemically induced
  • Polyethylene Glycols / adverse effects
  • Psoriasis / chemically induced
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Skin Diseases, Infectious / chemically induced
  • Skin Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Infliximab
  • Adalimumab
  • Etanercept
  • Certolizumab Pegol