Alopecia areata universalis during off-label treatment with Infliximab in a patient with Behçet disease

Enrico Beccastrini, Danilo Squatrito, Giacomo Emmi, Paolo Fabbri, Lorenzo Emmi

Dermatology Online Journal · 2010 · 20 citations · 0 references

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Abstract

Infliximab, a chimeric monoclonal anti-TNF-alfa agent used to treat autoimmune diseases, has shown a paradoxical side effect in the development of autoimmunity. We describe a case of alopecia areata universalis associated with infliximab treatment in a patient with Behçet disease. This case suggests a complex and contradictory role of TNF-α in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata.