Lack of effect of ustekinumab in treatment of allergic contact dermatitis

Contact Dermatitis. 2011 Oct;65(4):227-30. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.2011.01907.x. Epub 2011 Jul 1.

Abstract

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory T cell mediated disease that can be recalcitrant to existing treatments. Ustekinumab is a monocloncal antibody blocking IL-12 and IL-23, shown to be effective and safe for patients with psoriasis. Despite both IL-12 and IL-23 involvement in contact allergy, the effect of Ustekinumab on allergic contact dermatitis has not been reported.

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical effect of Ustekinumab in patients with allergic contact dermatitis.

Methods: A retrospective, case cohort study of patients with allergic contact dermatitis treated with Ustekinumab in our department.

Results: Five patients had been treated with Ustekinumab for allergic contact dermatitis, with limited effect.

Conclusion: Our observation suggests that, although theoretically plausible, Ustekinumab does not seem to be a valuable therapeutic approach for chronic allergic contact dermatitis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / drug therapy*
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Failure
  • Ustekinumab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Ustekinumab