A recent study indicated a high rate of skin reactions to anti-TNFα in their pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) population (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2014; 20: 1309-15).

In a two-year prospective study, 84 children with IBD (64 with Crohn’s) who were receiving infliximab infusions were screened for skin changes and had labwork (blood tests and stool calprotectiin).

Key findings:

• 40 (47.6%) had chronic skin reactions and half of these were considered severe. However, when looking at the “severe” lesions shown in Figure 2, one might question the characterization.
• Ear lobes and scalp were affected most frequently with psoriasis-like manifestations, followed by eyelids, perioral and pubic areas, trunk, and extremities.
• Skin reactions were more common in those with a low degree of intestinal inflammation based on calprotectin levels: 133 mg/g in those with skin changes compared with 589 in those without.
• Seven patients (8.3% of entire cohort) discontinued therapy due to skin reaction.
• Most patients responded well to topical potent corticosteroids.

Take-home message: In this prospectively-followed cohort, there was a surprisingly high rate of skin reactions.  In patients receiving anti-TNFα therapy, it is a good idea to look closely at their ears and scalp.

Related blog post:

TNF Antagonists and Psoriasis | gutsandgrowth