Alopecia areata universalis during off-label treatment with Infliximab in a patient with Behçet disease

Dermatol Online J. 2010 Sep 15;16(9):15.

Abstract

Infliximab, a chimeric monoclonal anti-TNF-alfa agent used to treat autoimmune diseases, has shown a paradoxical side effect in the development of autoimmunity. We describe a case of alopecia areata universalis associated with infliximab treatment in a patient with Behçet disease. This case suggests a complex and contradictory role of TNF-α in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alopecia Areata / chemically induced*
  • Alopecia Areata / immunology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Autoimmune Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Behcet Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Male
  • Off-Label Use
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Infliximab