This study aims to critically review the pros and cons of biological drugs as treatments and triggers of eosinophilic dermatoses.
Eosinophilic dermatoses syndromes are rare diseases with a prominent eosinophilic infiltration mechanism. These syndromes have several known treatments with limited success. Several physicians worldwide suggested possible advantages of using specific biological drugs, which are different from eosinophil targeted biotherapies as treatments for eosinophilic dermatoses syndromes. Others considered these drugs as possible triggers.
Articles published in the last 30 years containing relevant key words were reviewed using PubMed and Medline. Associations between Infliximab, Adalimumab, Etanercept, TNF alpha inhibitors and Ustekinumab to Eosinophilic Dermatoses syndromes were reviewed.
Our search revealed an association between 17 eosinophilic dermatoses patients and the drugs of interest. Out of 5 Wells' syndrome cases, four patients had an outbreak of the disease following treatment and one improved by the treatment. Six cases of Eosinophilic Fasciitis mostly had a positive reaction to the treatment. More associations were found among 4 cases of Churg-Strauss syndrome, one case of Granuloma Faciale and 1 case of Eosinophilic Pustular Folliculitis.
TNF alpha inhibitors and Ustekinumab may have a role in the treatment of eosinophilic dermatosis syndromes. These drugs may act as triggers among Wells' syndrome patients. Further investigation is needed.