Ustekinumab to target granulomatous dermatitis in recalcitrant ulcerative necrobiosis lipoidica: case report and proposed mechanism

Dermatol Online J. 2017 Jul 15;23(7):13030/qt3k32k916.

Abstract

We present a 42-year-old woman with no history of diabetes or glucose intolerance who had a 5-year history of ulcerative necrobiosis lipoidica (NL). Despite failure of multiple medications, she experienced clearing of her ulcers after her treatment was changed to ustekinumab. We discuss our patient's disease course and elaborate upon mechanistic reasons for her improvement related to ustekinumab therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Granuloma / drug therapy
  • Granuloma / etiology
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-12 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Necrobiosis Lipoidica / complications
  • Necrobiosis Lipoidica / drug therapy*
  • Necrobiosis Lipoidica / physiopathology
  • Skin Ulcer / drug therapy
  • Skin Ulcer / etiology
  • Ustekinumab / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Interleukin-12
  • Ustekinumab