Case Report of Lichen Planopilaris Occurring in a Pediatric Patient Receiving a Tumor Necrosis Factor α Inhibitor and a Review of the Literature

• Published in: Pediatric dermatology 2016-03, Vol.33 (2), p.e143-e146
• Main Authors: Jayasekera, Prativa S.A., Walsh, Maeve L., Hurrell, Daniel, Parslew, Richard A.G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adalimumab - adverse effects; Child; Female; Humans; Lichen Planus - chemically induced; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha - antagonists & inhibitors
• ISSN: 0736-8046; 1525-1470
• DOI: 10.1111/pde.12768

A 12‐year‐old girl with extended oligoarthritis treated with adalimumab presented with a short history of a progressive cutaneous eruption involving the legs and scalp. Physical examination and histologic results were consistent with lichen planopilaris. The adalimumab was discontinued. She received treatment with topical clobetasol propionate and the majority of the lesions resolved. Residual lesions and the extended oligoarthritis were then treated with sulfasalazine. Adalimumab is a tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) inhibitor used for the treatment of a variety of immunologically mediated conditions, including lichen planus and lichen planopilaris. TNF‐α antagonists have been associated with paradoxical psoriasiform, lichenoid, eczematous, granulomatous, and acneiform eruptions. We detail this case and review the literature of lichenoid reactions secondary to TNF‐α inhibitors.