Abstract
To provide an overview of the current evidence regarding off-label treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) with TNF-α inhibitors, a systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL. Any type of original article concerning HS patients treated with infliximab, etanercept and/or adalimumab was included. No language restriction was applied. After full-text screening 65 studies involving 459 patients met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to data extraction. Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were available, and the remainders were case series or reports. Only RTCs were subjected to methodological quality assessment. Based on efficacy data extracted from the case reports, a moderate to good response was seen in 82% of the patients treated with infliximab, 76% of the patients treated with adalimumab, and 68% of the patients treated with etanercept. Due to the moderate level of evidence only a weak recommendation can be provided. If conventional treatment options fail, the use of TNF-α inhibitors can be a useful supplement for the treatment of recurrent severe HS. Infliximab should be preferred based on the most encouraging results regarding efficacy and expenses. Also adalimumab seems promising when administered in higher doses. The use of etanercept should be discouraged.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.