Anti-tumor-necrosis-factor-alpha agents are limited by their side effects. Eczema is one of the most frequent adverse reactions affecting quality of life.
To assess potential predictive risk factors for eczema in patients receiving infliximab.
We conducted a prospective cohort study including patients treated with infliximab for a variety of disorders with the exception of cutaneous psoriasis. Clinical features were compared among patients with and without eczema under therapy.
92 consecutive patients were included; 15 developed eczema after the initiation of infliximab. In univariate analyses, a personal history of atopic symptoms was the only predictive factor for the occurrence of eczema (odds ratio = 3.6). Sex, age, principal diagnosis, dose and duration of infliximab and concomitant use of other immunosuppressors had no influence on the occurrence of eczema.
A personal history of atopic symptoms is predictive of eczema under infliximab. Specific information should be provided to atopic patients starting such a treatment.