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[Extensive cutaneous-subcutaneous infiltration as a side-effect of interferon-beta injection]
V R Ziegler1, B Kränke, P Soyer
1Klinische Abteilung für Umweltdermatologie und Venerologie, Karl-Franzens-Universität, Graz.
Summary
Interferon beta therapy for multiple sclerosis can cause rare, large skin lesions at injection sites. These cutaneous-subcutaneous infiltrates resolved with treatment and dose reduction, indicating a manageable side effect.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Neurology
Background:
- Interferons (IFN) alpha and gamma are established treatments for various diseases.
- Interferon beta (IFN-β) is a newer therapeutic option for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS).
Observation:
- A 41-year-old female MS patient developed large, non-tender, reddish skin lesions at subcutaneous IFN-β injection sites.
- Histopathology confirmed perivascular and lobular lymphoid infiltrates in the dermis and subcutis.
Findings:
- IFN-β therapy cessation led to lesion resolution with topical corticosteroids.
- Resuming IFN-β at a lower dose resulted in only mild erythema without induration or pain.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare adverse skin reaction to subcutaneous interferon beta.
- The findings suggest that dose adjustment and corticosteroids can manage these infiltrates.
- Further investigation into the mechanism of these cutaneous reactions is warranted.