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Dermoscopy Aids in the Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: May 16, 2025
Adalimumab-induced lupus erythematosus
J M Martín1, J M Ricart, J Alcácer
1Department of Dermatology, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valencia, Spain. jmmart@eresmas.com
Lupus
|July 16, 2008
Summary
Adalimumab, used for rheumatoid arthritis, can rarely cause lupus-like symptoms despite a good safety profile. This case highlights a rare immune-mediated complication of anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Adalimumab is an anti-tumour necrosis factor biologic agent with a generally favorable safety profile.
- It is widely used in treating autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Autoantibody development is a known, common side effect of adalimumab therapy.
Observation:
- Immune-mediated complications, such as lupus-like syndrome, are rare despite autoantibody induction during adalimumab treatment.
- A recent case of adalimumab-induced lupus erythematosus was evaluated.
Findings:
- The study presents a case evaluation of adalimumab-induced lupus erythematosus.
- This finding underscores the potential for rare immune-mediated adverse events associated with anti-tumour necrosis factor agents.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the rare possibility of drug-induced lupus erythematosus in patients treated with adalimumab.
- Monitoring for atypical immune-mediated complications may be warranted in specific patient populations.
- Understanding rare side effects is crucial for optimizing biologic therapy safety in rheumatology.
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