Certolizumab pegol - A new therapeutic option for refractory disseminated pyoderma gangrenosum associated with Crohn's disease

Rare Autoinflammatory Neutrophilic Dermatoses in Pregnancy: Literature Review

Rare cases of autoinflammatory neutrophilic dermatoses (AINDs) have been reported in patients during pregnancy with associated adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Due to the rarity and heterogeneous morphology of pregnancy-associated AINDs, clinical diagnosis is often overlooked, and treatment options are limited. In this review, we present the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, therapeutic interventions, maternal and fetal outcomes, and discuss the possible pathophysiology of various pregnancy associated AINDs. Risk factors for the onset and exacerbation of AINDs in pregnancy include older maternal age, disease duration, and specific gestational age. The varied disease courses and conflicting clinical outcomes in both mothers and fetuses demonstrate the importance of symptom recognition and the understanding of the role of pregnancy on AINDs.

Pyoderma gangrenosum after surgery for forefoot deformity in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis: A case report

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare inflammatory skin disease characterised by skin ulcers that are associated with autoimmune diseases. Although the effectiveness of immunosuppression with glucocorticoids and tumour necrosis factor inhibitors in treating PG has been reported, the utility of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for severe ulcerative lesions in patients with PG remains controversial. Herein, we report the case of a 76-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis who developed PG after undergoing surgery for a forefoot deformity. The patient showed improvement in deep ulcer lesions through NPWT while receiving treatment with abatacept and systemic glucocorticoids. Subsequent topical glucocorticoid therapy led to the remission of the PG. This case suggests that NPWT, when used under immunosuppressive conditions, does not exacerbate the pathergy and may be beneficial for treating severe ulcerative PG.

Treatment Strategies in Neutrophilic Dermatoses: A Comprehensive Review

Neutrophilic dermatoses (NDs) are a group of noninfectious disorders characterized by the presence of a sterile neutrophilic infiltrate without vasculitis histopathology. Their physiopathology is not fully understood. The association between neutrophilic dermatoses and autoinflammatory diseases has led some authors to propose that both are part of the same spectrum of diseases. The classification of NDs depends on clinical and histopathological features. This review focuses on the recent developments of treatments in these pathologies.

Clinical guidance of pyoderma gangrenosum 2022

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, neutrophilic skin disease. For the purpose of accurate diagnosis and proper treatment of PG, the Japanese clinical practice guidance for PG developed by the Japanese Dermatological Association was published in 2022. In this guidance, clinical aspects, pathogenesis, current therapies, and clinical questions on PG are described from the viewpoints of current knowledge and evidence-based medicine. Here, the English version of the Japanese clinical practice guidelines for PG is presented and is intended to be widely referred to in the clinical examination and treatment of PG.

Successful switching treatment of adalimumab for refractory pyoderma gangrenosum in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis with prior use of tumour necrosis factor inhibitors: A case report and review of the literature

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare chronic skin disease characterised by painful skin ulcers. There are no treatment guidelines for PG, but systemic treatments including biologics are often used. Recently, adalimumab (ADA), a fully human monoclonal antibody against tumour necrosis factor, was approved for refractory PG treatment in Japan. Herein, we report a case of rheumatoid arthritis with refractory PG 2 months after orthopaedic surgery of the foot during treatment with low-dose etanercept and methotrexate. Although adding a moderate dose of glucocorticoid did not improve her PG, the patient showed a remarkable response after switching from etanercept to ADA in a higher dose than that used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. This higher dose of ADA may be effective for the treatment of refractory PG after the failure of other tumour necrosis factor inhibitors.

Pyoderma gangraenosum als diagnostische und therapeutische interdisziplinäre Herausforderung

Das Pyoderma gangraenosum (PG) ist eine neutrophile Dermatose unklarer Genese, die sowohl in Assoziation zu hämatologischen und neoplastischen Systemerkrankungen, chronisch-entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen und autoinflammatorischen Syndromen als auch idiopathisch auftreten kann. Sowohl die Diagnosestellung wie auch die Therapie des PG stellen aufgrund seiner Seltenheit, des Fehlens großer randomisierter kontrollierter Studien und der unzureichend verstandenen Pathogenese eine Herausforderung in der klinischen Praxis dar. Diese Übersichtsarbeit beschreibt und diskutiert aktuelle Erkenntnisse, die das PG als autoinflammatorische Erkrankung beschreiben. Durch eine Dysregulation von T-Lymphozyten und myeloiden Zellen wie den neutrophilen Granulozyten kommt es zur Entstehung von Pusteln und großflächigen Ulzera. Klassische Therapieansätze umfassen eine anti-inflammatorische topische Therapie, eine Analgesie sowie die systemische Gabe von Immunmodulantien oder -suppressiva. Neuere, bisher nicht zugelassene Therapieoptionen sind der Einsatz von Biologika und JAK-Inhibitoren.

Pyoderma Gangrenosum: An Updated Literature Review on Established and Emerging Pharmacological Treatments

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare inflammatory skin disease classified within the group of neutrophilic dermatoses and clinically characterized by painful, rapidly evolving cutaneous ulcers with undermined, irregular, erythematous-violaceous edges. Pyoderma gangrenosum pathogenesis is complex and involves a profound dysregulation of components of both innate and adaptive immunity in genetically predisposed individuals, with the follicular unit increasingly recognized as the putative initial target. T helper 17/T helper 1-skewed inflammation and exaggerated inflammasome activation lead to a dysregulated neutrophil-dominant milieu with high levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1α, IL-8, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17, IL-23, and IL-36. Low-evidence studies and a lack of validated diagnostic and response criteria have hindered the discovery and validation of new effective treatments for pyoderma gangrenosum. We review established and emerging treatments for pyoderma gangrenosum. A therapeutic algorithm based on available evidence is also provided. For emerging treatments, we review target molecules and their role in the pathogenesis of pyoderma gangrenosum.

Pyoderma gangrenosum

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis that presents with rapidly developing, painful skin ulcers hallmarked by undermined borders and peripheral erythema. Epidemiological studies indicate that the average age of PG onset is in the mid-40s, with an incidence of a few cases per million person-years. PG is often associated with a variety of other immune-mediated diseases, most commonly inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The cause of PG is not well understood, but PG is generally considered an autoinflammatory disorder. Studies have focused on the role of T cells, especially at the wound margin; these cells may support the destructive autoinflammatory response by the innate immune system. PG is difficult to diagnose as several differential diagnoses are possible; in addition to clinical examination, laboratory tests of biopsied wound tissue are required for an accurate diagnosis, and new validated diagnostic criteria will facilitate the process. Treatment of PG typically starts with fast-acting immunosuppressive drugs (corticosteroids and/or cyclosporine) to reduce inflammation followed by the addition of more slowly acting immunosuppressive drugs with superior adverse event profiles, including biologics (in particular, anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents). Appropriate wound care is also essential. Future research should focus on PG-specific outcome measures and PG quality-of-life studies.

Paradoxical Skin Reaction to Certolizumab, an Overlap of Pyoderma Gangrenosum and Psoriasis in a Young Woman Treated for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Case Report with Literature Review

Introduction

Biologic agents form an indispensable part of modern therapeutic regimens for the treatment of severe inflammatory diseases, especially in the fields of rheumatology, dermatology and gastroenterology. They are favoured by both physicians and patients due to their high effectiveness, good patient tolerance and safety. However, interference in the regulation and dynamics of inflammatory cytokines can on occasion lead to an onset of a dermatological condition also known as paradoxical skin reaction. Here, we present a case of paradoxical skin reaction induced by certolizumab.

Case Report

A young woman with ankylosing spondylitis developed a severe and complex cutaneous reaction after 6 months of otherwise successful treatment with certolizumab. The diagnosis of a rare paradoxical cutaneous reaction post anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha treatment was based on overlapping features of pyoderma gangrenosum and palmoplantar pustular psoriasis. Alopecia developed and there was also nail involvement. Treatment proved to be challenging as the disease did not remit after the patient ceased treatment with certolizumab. The patient was started on a combination of secukinumab and methotrexate to control the symptoms, with a promising outcome.

Conclusion

Paradoxical skin reactions are an emerging clinical entity that require further research in order to establish risk factors and best personalized treatment.

Diagnosis and novel clinical treatment strategies for pyoderma gangrenosum

Introduction: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a noninfectious, reactive inflammatory neutrophilic dermatosis that is commonly associated with autoimmune and neoplastic disorders. There are emerging diagnostic tools and treatment options for PG.Area covered: The diagnosis of PG should be seriously considered when managing ulcers to avoid unnecessary medical and surgical complications with prompt and suitable treatment. There are no standardized treatment guidelines for PG, and current therapy largely depends on the severity and progression of the disease. Systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressant therapy, and biologic agents remain mainstay therapies. In this article, we present a literature review of recent diagnostic and novel treatment options for the management of PG. The literature research considered clinical studies or scientific reviews. Studies were identified by searching electronic databases and reference lists of respective articles till August 2019.Expert opinion: The true diagnosis of PG is challenging, as there is no diagnostic gold standard. PARACELSUS is a novel diagnostic tool. Biologics and small molecules are emerging systemic therapy options that are relatively new in treatment of PG.

Pyoderma gangrenosum and tumour necrosis factor alpha inhibitors: A semi-systematic review

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare ulcerative skin disease that presents a therapeutic challenge. Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) inhibitors have been reported to successfully control PG. Our aim was to systematically evaluate and compare the clinical effectiveness of TNFα inhibitors in adults with PG. A literature search including databases such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted, using search terms related to PG and TNFα inhibitors. Studies and case reports were included if patients were diagnosed with PG, over the age of 18 and administered TNFα inhibitor. A total of 3212 unique citations were identified resulting in 222 articles describing 356 patients being included in our study. The study we report found an 87% (95% CI: 83%-90%) response rate and a 67% (95% CI: 62%-72%) complete response rate to TNFα inhibitors. No statistically significant differences in the response rates (P = 0.6159) or complete response rates (P = 0.0773) to infliximab, adalimumab, and etanercept were found. In our study TNFα inhibitors demonstrated significant effectiveness with response and complete response rates supporting the use of TNFα inhibitors to treat PG in adults. Our study suggests that there is no significant difference in effectiveness among infliximab, adalimumab, and etanercept.

Current clinical issue of skin lesions in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with a number of extraintestinal complications, including skin lesions. Most reports have shown that skin lesions are found in 10-15% of IBD cases, although this depends on the definition of skin lesions. The representative skin lesions in patients with IBD are erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosum, Sweet's syndrome, and so on. These lesions are often associated with IBD progression, and intestinal lesions in particular require appropriate treatment. Recently, another clinical issue regarding skin lesions in patients with IBD, a so-called paradoxical reaction, during the treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents has emerged. These reactions are termed paradoxical reactions because the skin lesions sometimes resemble psoriasis, although the anti-TNF-α agents have been historically used to treat psoriasis. Paradoxical reactions are reportedly found in approximately 5-10% of patients using anti-TNF-α agents and are no longer rare. Now that the use of biologics is at its culmination, reports regarding paradoxical reactions are predicted to increase in number; thus, we must recognize skin lesions with IBD patients including this type of adverse events and manage them appropriately while consulting with dermatologists.

Biologic and small-molecule medications in the management of pyoderma gangrenosum

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon inflammatory skin disorder characterized by neutrophil dysfunction. There are currently no FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of this disease, and treatment has typically relied on traditional immunosuppressive medications such as prednisone or cyclosporine. The efficacy of biologics in the treatment of other pro-inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease is well-documented in the literature. Therefore, the use of biologic medications for the treatment of rarer inflammatory skin conditions, such as PG, is a compelling topic for investigation. Biologic and small-molecule therapies allow physicians to target specific pro-inflammatory mediators that underlie PG pathogenesis. This review provides an update on the use of biologic and small-molecule medications for the treatment of PG and summarizes the latest data on the clinical efficacy and pharmacology of these treatments.

Drug management of neutrophilic dermatoses

INTRODUCTION

Neutrophilic dermatoses are a heterogenous group of chronic, cutaneous inflammatory conditions characterized by the accumulation of neutrophils in the skin and by systemic inflammation. Neutrophilic dermatoses can be idiopathic or associated with other inflammatory or systemic diseases, including the group of the hereditary, autoinflammatory syndromes. Clinical management is challenging, due to limited clinical evidence and lack of clinical practice guidelines. Areas covered: This review provides an overview of current therapeutic management of the three prototypical neutrophilic dermatoses, aseptic pustulosis of the folds, Sweet syndrome and pyoderma gangrenosum. In addition, we describe innovative, pathogenesis-oriented treatment approaches, which are based on recent advances in the pathophysiology of neutrophilic dermatoses and autoinflammatory syndromes. The increasing role of the IL-1 cytokine family in initiating neutrophilic inflammation in both idiopathic and syndromic disease opened the way for the use of targeted biological treatment. Another promising treatment strategy is aimed at blocking downstream effector cytokines, such as IL12/23 and IL-17, involved in the autoinflammatory immune cascade. Expert commentary: In chronic-recurrent and syndromic cases of neutrophilic dermatoses, there is an unmet clinical need for long-term, continuous disease control. Future controlled clinical studies will optimize the use of targeted-biological agents in sequential or combination treatment strategies.