Efficacy and tolerance of prolonged infliximab treatment of moderate-to-severe forms of hidradenitis suppurativa.

UNLABELLED: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic suppurative disease impairing patients' quality of life (QOL). The standard treatment remains extensive surgery; medical treatment is often disappointing.

OBJECTIVES

Prolonged infliximab efficacy and tolerance in moderate-to-severe forms of HS were evaluated.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

This prospective, monocentric, open, interventional study concerned patients with progressive, moderate-to-severe HS ineligible for surgery, or who relapsed after surgery. Infliximab (5 mg/kg) was infused at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and then every 4 weeks. When the response was satisfactory, infusion spacing was attempted.

RESULTS

Ten patients were included, 8 treated for 1 year, with a mean of 5 affected sites and 18 years of evolution. The mean initial DLQI was 20/30 (range 9-30). At 1 year, the number of involved sites (P<0.001) and flares (P<0.05) had decreased significantly under infliximab, as did HS severity. QOL improved clearly and rapidly for all patients, with mean DLQI at 6/30 (P<0.001). Tolerance was satisfactory with only 4 minor infections, 1 keratoacanthoma and one rapidly resolving hepatitis.

CONCLUSION

This evaluation of prolonged infliximab use in HS after surgical failure showed good efficacy and satisfactory tolerance without therapeutic escape during the first year of treatment.