[Anti-TNF alpha-induced eruptive nevi: Three cases]

BACKGROUND

Eruptive melanocytic nevi (EMN) are a rare phenomenon characterized by simultaneous rapid onset of multiple nevi. The condition has been described in different contexts: immunosuppression, immunosuppressive drugs, targeted therapies, bullous diseases, and chemical melanocytic stimulation. We report 3 cases of EMN following anti-TNF alpha treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Case 1 - A 51-year-old female patient was receiving adalimumab for spondyloarthritis (the first treatment for this patient). A few months after the start of treatment, multiple nevi were noted on the 4 limbs, and in particular on the right palm. The patient confirmed the absence of these lesions before initiation of treatment. A diagnosis was made of adalimumab-induced EMN. Case 2 - A 49-year-old male patient was receiving etanercept for spondyloarthritis (the first biologic in this patient). Multiple small nevi developed on the trunk in the months after the start of treatment. The patient indicated that these lesions had appeared after the start of treatment. A diagnosis was made of etanercept-induced EMN. Case 3 - A 20-year-old woman with hidradenitis suppurativa was treated with infliximab. After 1.5 months, she reported the outbreak of various pigmented lesions 2-3mm in diameter on the trunk and one lesion on her right palm. The clinical diagnosis was EMN. After follow-up of 4 months to 5 years, no transformation to melanoma was noted in any of these 3 patients.

CONCLUSION

EMN remains a rare phenomenon in patients on anti-TNF alpha. These cases, associated with the description of a moderate increased risk of developing cutaneous carcinoma under anti-TNF alpha, underscore the need for dermatological follow-up and increased sun protection in patients receiving this treatment.

Relative risk of and determinants for adverse events of methotrexate prescribed at a low dose: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials

Low-dose (i.e. ≤ 30 mg per week) methotrexate is widely prescribed by dermatologists. However, there is limited evidence-based information regarding the relative risk of and determinants for adverse events associated with this treatment. The aims of this review were to assess the relative risk of and the determinants for adverse events associated with low-dose methotrexate exposure. A systematic review was undertaken using the MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL databases. Randomized controlled trials comparing low-dose methotrexate with placebo were eligible. Random effect meta-analyses were conducted to assess the risk ratios (RRs) of adverse events associated with methotrexate exposure. Subgroup analyses and random effect meta-regressions were performed to examine the determinants of adverse events. In total, 68 trials (6938 participants) were included. Compared with placebo, low-dose methotrexate slightly increased the risk of adverse events (mean number per individual: 1·78 ± 2·00 in the methotrexate group, 1·53 ± 1·89 in the placebo group; P < 0·001), including nausea/vomiting, elevated transaminase levels, mucosal ulcerations, leucopenia, thrombopenia and infectious events, but not the risk of serious adverse events or death. Low-dose methotrexate also increased the number of withdrawals from studies because of adverse events [RR 1·32 (1·13-1·53)]. The concomitant prescription of folic/folinic acid was associated with a significant lower risk of any adverse events, and methotrexate prescribed orally was associated with a higher risk of abdominal pain than when prescribed subcutaneously or by intramuscular injection. On the other hand, the risk of adverse events did not increase with the weekly dose or with duration of exposure. Similar studies comparing methotrexate with other systemic/biological treatments are needed.

[Childhood eruptive nevi: a case report]

"Eruptive nevi" is a phenomenon characterized by a rapid appearance of multiple melanocytic nevi. It is mainly developed in three groups of patients: those with systemic immunosuppression, bullous cutaneous disorders, and a melanocytic stimulation drug. We report on the case of an 11-year-old boy who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A few months after the beginning of the chemotherapy, he developed multiple pigmented lesions over the skin. Eruptive nevi syndrome has been described in the literature in 29 cases in the context of severe bullous disease and in immunosuppression. Nevi most often appear on the trunk and extremities, notably on the feet in the context of immunosuppression. They are localized in areas of bullous lesions in bullous diseases. Due to an increased melanocytic stimulation in eruptive nevi patients, long-term surveillance of individuals who have developed eruptive nevi is required, and increased sun prevention should be suggested.

[Bacteriostatic activity of azlocillin, gentamycin, amikacin singly or in combination on 200 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa]

In vitro activity of azlocillin, gentamicin, and amikacin, alone or in combination was evaluated against 200 clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by a standard technique. For the evaluation of synergistic activities, one antibiotic was added in a concentration equivalent to one-fourth its MIC to increasing concentrations of the other antibiotic. The MIC for 50% of the strains was 3.25 micrograms/ml for gentamicin, 3 micrograms/ml for amikacin and 7 micrograms/ml for azlocillin. No significant difference could be seen between the two combinations, the percentage of synergy was 37% for azlocillin-gentamicin and 36% for azlocillin-amikacin. No antagonism was observed.