Infliximab for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa.

INTRODUCTION: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by significant morbidity. Current medical therapies are usually only minimally effective.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of infliximab monotherapy for the treatment of severe extensive refractory forms of hidradenitis suppurativa.

DESIGN: A retrospective study in a group of 6 patients who received treatment with infliximab for hidradenitis suppurativa, in the Dermatology Department of the University Hospital of Puerto Real in the last year. The dose was 5-10 mg/kg at weeks 0, 2 and 6, followed by a maintenance dose every 4 weeks. Subjective and objective efficacy was assessed before and after each treatment session.

RESULTS: All patients experienced improvement in subjective symptoms after the initial dose. A decrease in exudation, the size and number of lesions and less development of fistulous tracts were observed. The patients were followed up during 6 months. Treatment was generally well tolerated and there was only one mild reaction to the infusion in the form of headache. No patient required treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS: Infliximab was shown to be an effective therapeutic alternative for severe extensive forms of hidradenitis suppurativa when it is used as monotherapy.