Alopecia universalis and onychodystrophy during treatment with adalimumab. Issue 4 (1st October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Youssef, Ronnie; Saad, Saadeddine; Hendrick, Sophia
• Is Part Of: Proceedings. Volume 33:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 596
• Page End: 597
• Publication Date: 2020-10-01
• Subjects: Adalimumab -- alopecia areata -- alopecia universalis -- onychodystrophy; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Medicine -- Periodicals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.005
• DOI: 10.1080/08998280.2020.1771140
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0899-8280

Abstract

Abstract: Alopecia universalis, the complete loss of body hair, during anti–tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) biologic therapy is a rare occurrence that has infrequently been reported in the literature. In this case, a 50-year-old man with psoriatic arthritis exhibited alopecia universalis with concomitant onychodystrophy 3 months after initiation with adalimumab. Given the role of TNF-α in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata, it would seem unlikely for anti-TNF-α drugs to induce hair loss; however, it is hypothesized that alopecia areata and its variants may not be dependent on TNF-α and that other factors must be involved. It is important to be aware of such associated adverse effects given that many patients undergo therapy with TNF-α-blocking agents.