Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
11:28
Imaging CD4 T Cell Interstitial Migration in the Inflamed Dermis
Published on: March 25, 2016
Infliximab-induced lichen planopilaris
Rosa Fernández-Torres1, Sabela Paradela, Luis Valbuena
1Complejo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña, Spain. rosaftorres@gmail.com
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|August 13, 2010
Summary
This case report details lichen planopilaris, a rare hair loss condition, developing in a patient undergoing treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy for psoriasis. This adverse event highlights emerging skin toxicities associated with TNF inhibitors.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents are widely used for various inflammatory conditions.
- Cutaneous adverse events are known side effects of TNF inhibitors.
- Lichenoid reactions are an emerging, though uncommon, adverse effect.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old male with refractory psoriasis developed new scalp and eyebrow hair loss.
- Clinical presentation included follicular papulo-pustules, erythema, and scaling.
- Skin biopsy confirmed lichen planopilaris.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of lichen planopilaris induced by anti-TNF agents.
- The causality assessment indicated a probable link between infliximab and the lichen planopilaris.
- Lichenoid reactions represent a diverse group of cutaneous adverse events associated with TNF inhibitors.
Implications:
- As anti-TNF therapies expand to more diseases, increased incidence of skin toxicities like lichenoid eruptions is expected.
- Clinicians should be vigilant for these adverse events in patients on TNF inhibitors.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and management of these reactions.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
01:29Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Upon diagnosis, managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves addressing several crucial aspects. The primary goals include resting the bowel, correcting malnutrition, and providing symptomatic relief. Resting the bowel may consist of medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Correcting malnutrition is essential, often requiring dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements. Symptomatic relief aims to ease pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts in IBD.
Pharmacologic...
Pharmacologic...
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses two major chronic disorders—ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease—each characterized by relapsing episodes of gastrointestinal inflammation. Although they share certain clinical features, their patterns of involvement and manifestations differ in ways that aid diagnosis and guide management.Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum and involves continuous inflammation of the mucosal layer. The disease course is marked...