Occurrence of Psoriatic Arthritis during Interferon Beta 1a Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract EN

Interferon beta (IFN-β) is the first line therapy of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

IFN-β is a cytokine that can contribute to the development of systemic autoimmune disease including psoriasis.

The development or the exacerbation of psoriasis during IFN-β treatment has been previously observed.

We report the occurrence of arthritis and dactylitis in a multiple sclerosis patient with preexisting psoriasis diagnosed as a psoriatic arthritis.

The IL-23/Th17 pathway is involved in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and it has been suggested that IFN-β therapy in patients with Th17-mediated disease may be detrimental.

Together with previous similar reports, our case suggests that IFN-β should certainly be used with caution in patients with concomitant systemic autoimmune disease with IL-23/Th17 involvement.