Case reports: practical experience with efalizumab in hand and foot psoriasis.

Abstract

Psoriasis of the hands and feet is highly debilitating and difficult to treat. It may be of a plaque-or pustular-type, or a combination of the two. Efalizumab (Raptiva, Genentech Inc), a humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits critical T cell-mediated processes, is approved by the FDA for the treatment of adult patients with chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. We present the cases of 7 patients who suffered from extensive hand and foot psoriasis recalcitrant to treatment. Each patient was treated with 1 mg/kg/wk of efalizumab and responded rapidly to treatment with favorable results appearing within 1 to 4 months. Patients were able to resume previous work responsibilities and no longer suffered from difficulties with ambulation. Efalizumab was effective for the rapid treatment of these 7 patients with psoriasis of the hands and feet.

• Authors: David J Cohen, Lubomira Scherschun
• Journal: Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD (J Drugs Dermatol) Vol. 6 Issue 12 Pg. 1224-30 (Dec 2007) ISSN: 1545-9616 [Print] United States
• PMID: 18189064 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Immunologic Factors
• efalizumab

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Antibodies, Monoclonal (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Female
• Foot Dermatoses (drug therapy, pathology)
• Hand Dermatoses (drug therapy, pathology)
• Humans
• Immunologic Factors (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Injections
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Psoriasis (drug therapy, pathology)