Psoriasis induced by biological therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a multicentre case series of new onset or worsening of psoriasis in patients treated with biological drugs.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Descriptive study. We reviewed the clinical history of patients with chronic inflammatory disease (CID) treated with biological drugs, who developed new onset or worsening of psoriasis during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

Twenty-six cases of paradoxical psoriasis (PP) were recorded. Ninety-three percent of the patients were treated with anti-TNFα and adalimumab was responsible for 50% of the cases. Only 5 patients had a personal history of psoriasis. The biological drug was discontinued in 13 patients. Lesion recurrence was more frequent when another anti-TNFα was reintroduced.

CONCLUSIONS

The PP is a reversible adverse effect that can be observed in patients exposed to biological drugs, mainly anti-TNFα.