Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Kos, A.
Cutaneous side effects of TNF- alpha inhibitors
[ Diplomarbeit ] Medical University of Graz; 2012. pp. 85
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Weger Wolfgang
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- Abstract:
- The introduction of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-¿) inhibitors in the treatment of Crohn¿s disease (CD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) nearly 15 years ago opened till then unknown therapeutic options in the treatment of chronic inflammatory immune-mediated diseases. Besides RA and CD, TNF-¿ has been shown to be dysregulated in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The pathogenesis of the aforementioned diseases comprises genetic, immunological and environmental factors. By targeting TNF-¿, a key cytokine in the pathogenesis of the aforementioned diseases, it has been possible to block the inflammatory cascade in these diseases at an essential point in their pathogenesis. Today TNF-¿ inhibitors (comprising adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab and infliximab) are a mainstay in the treatment of those diseases and have been proven to be a very efficient and safe treatment option. However, adverse events due to TNF-¿ inhibitors have also been noted. Over the last years a plethora of cutaneous side effects has been reported. Out of these numerous side effects three of the most interesting are psoriasis, alopecia and lichen planus, which will be reviewed in detail in this work. As TNF-¿ inhibitors have been used more commonly over recent years in patients suffering from chronic inflammatory immune-mediated diseases, it appears to be of utmost importance for physicians to be aware of these cutaneous adverse events and to treat them accordingly.