BACKGROUND: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare form of psoriasis that may either be preceded by plaque psoriasis or arise de novo, classically after withdrawal of systemic glucocorticosteroids. Adalimumab is a fully human, anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody that specifically blocks the interaction of TNF-alpha with the p55 and the p75 TNF-alpha cell surface receptors. AIM: To demonstrate the efficacy and tolerability of adalimumab in the treatment of GPP. CASE REPORT: A 50-year-old woman had suffered from severe pustular psoriasis for 10 years and psoriatic arthritis for 8 years and received treatment with adalimumab, in monotherapy, 40 mg subcutaneously once a week for 72 weeks. DLQI, PDI and SKINDEX 29 score were used to assess patient compliance and satisfaction. RESULTS: In our case, control of disease manifestations was rapid and clinical remission persisted during the treatment course until the 72th week. Treatment tolerability and compliance were consistent. The patient experienced a dramatic improvement of quality of life instruments. CONCLUSION: In this case, adalimumab has been demonstrated to be effective, safe and appropriate for long-term use, indicating a beneficial effect on quality of life parameters.
BACKGROUND: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare form of psoriasis that may either be preceded by plaque psoriasis or arise de novo, classically after withdrawal of systemic glucocorticosteroids. Adalimumab is a fully human, anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody that specifically blocks the interaction of TNF-alpha with the p55 and the p75TNF-alpha cell surface receptors. AIM: To demonstrate the efficacy and tolerability of adalimumab in the treatment of GPP. CASE REPORT: A 50-year-old woman had suffered from severe pustular psoriasis for 10 years and psoriatic arthritis for 8 years and received treatment with adalimumab, in monotherapy, 40 mg subcutaneously once a week for 72 weeks. DLQI, PDI and SKINDEX 29 score were used to assess patient compliance and satisfaction. RESULTS: In our case, control of disease manifestations was rapid and clinical remission persisted during the treatment course until the 72th week. Treatment tolerability and compliance were consistent. The patient experienced a dramatic improvement of quality of life instruments. CONCLUSION: In this case, adalimumab has been demonstrated to be effective, safe and appropriate for long-term use, indicating a beneficial effect on quality of life parameters.
Authors: Bruce E Strober; Jennifer Clay Cather; David Cohen; Jeffrey J Crowley; Kenneth B Gordon; Alice B Gottlieb; Arthur F Kavanaugh; Neil J Korman; Gerald G Krueger; Craig L Leonardi; Sergio Schwartzman; Jeffrey M Sobell; Gary E Solomon; Melodie Young Journal: Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) Date: 2012-03-30