Can Hidradenitis suppurativa be treated with Infliximab?

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Last updated: February 10, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa with Infliximab

  • Infliximab has been shown to be an effective treatment for moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in several studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial found that infliximab improved HS Severity Index scores, Dermatology Life Quality Index scores, and reduced inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein 1.
  • A systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 articles (314 patients) found a pooled response rate of 83% (95% CI, 0.71-0.91) for infliximab in treating HS, with common adverse events including non-serious infections and infusion reactions 2.
  • Retrospective studies have also demonstrated the efficacy of infliximab in treating HS, with improvements in subjective symptoms, reduction in exudation and lesion size, and decreased development of fistulous tracts 3, 4.
  • Long-term efficacy of infliximab has been observed, with some patients experiencing long-lasting improvement and no recurrence of lesions for up to 2 years 5.

Efficacy and Safety of Infliximab

  • Infliximab has been shown to be well-tolerated, with no unexpected serious adverse events reported in several studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • Common adverse events associated with infliximab include non-serious infections, infusion reactions, and eczematous eruptions 2, 4.
  • The efficacy of infliximab in treating HS has been demonstrated through various outcome measures, including clinician-reported outcomes, patient-reported outcomes, and inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein 1, 2, 4.

Clinical Implications

  • Infliximab may be considered a treatment option for patients with moderate to severe HS who have failed other treatments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • Further studies are needed to compare the efficacy of infliximab to other biologics and to determine the optimal treatment regimen for HS 2.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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