Severe hidradenitis suppurativa responding to treatment with secukinumab: a case report

L. Thorlacius*, P. Theut Riis, G. B.E. Jemec

*Corresponding author for this work
35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

An inappropriate immunological response to an unknown antigen has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Studies have identified elevated levels of several proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-17A and tumour necrosis factor-α, nominating these as possible therapeutic targets.1 Secukinumab is an IL-17A monoclonal antibody, which binds to IL-17A and inhibits the cytokine interaction with the IL-17 receptors, inhibiting the inflammatory cascade. Here we report a case of a 47-year-old man, with Hurley stage III lesions on the neck, axillae, breasts, genital skin and buttocks, who had experienced only temporary benefit from different medical treatments over several years. After 12 weeks of treatment with secukinumab, the number of lesions reported by the patient within the period of the last 4 weeks was reduced from 23 to seven, his pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score was reduced from 5 to 3 and pain/utility/handicap VAS score was reduced from 7 to 4. These results may be taken to imply that IL-17 blockade could provide a possible therapeutic approach in the treatment of HS.

Original languageEnglish
JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology
Volume179
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)182-185
ISSN0007-0963
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Severe hidradenitis suppurativa responding to treatment with secukinumab: a case report'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this