Comparing treatment outcome of infliximab and adalimumab in patients with severe hidradenitis suppurativa.

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic relapsing skin disease. Recent studies have shown promising results of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha treatment.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of infliximab and adalimumab in the treatment of HS.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed to compare 2 cohorts of 10 adult patients suffering from severe, recalcitrant HS. In 2005, 10 patients were treated with infliximab intravenous (i.v.) (3 infusions of 5 mg/kg at weeks 0, 2, and 6). In 2009, 10 other patients were treated in the same hospital with adalimumab subcutaneous (s.c.) 40 mg every other week. Both cohorts were followed up for 1 year using identical evaluation methods [Sartorius score, quality of life index, reduction of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), patient and doctor global assessment, and duration of efficacy].

Results: Nineteen patients completed the study. In both groups, the severity of the HS diminished. Infliximab performed better in all aspects. The average Sartorius score was reduced to 54% of baseline for the infliximab group and 66% of baseline for the adalimumab group.

Conclusions: Adalimumab s.c. 40 mg every other week is less effective than infliximab i.v. 5 mg/kg at weeks 0, 2, and 6.