The emergence of morphea in a patient undergoing ustekinumab therapy given for psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis and morphea in a patient on ustekinumab: A case report

“…This patient presentation is one of only three documented incidences of the coexistence of these conditions in a patient treated with ustekinumab. 7,11 Ustekinumab has been proven to be both a safe and effective therapy for psoriasis; however, it is worth considering that use in psoriasis patients may be associated with the development of morphea in rare occurrences associated with long-term use. Additional reports of similar cases detailing the coexistence of psoriasis and morphea in patients treated with biologics, as well as an improved understanding of their pathophysiology are required to elucidate the mechanism responsible for their dual presentation.…”

“…8,9 Presently, the coexistence of psoriasis and morphea is uncommon, with only 22 cases documented in the literature. 7,[10][11][12] Due to the minimal amount of patients affected by both conditions and the lack of knowledge concerning the precise pathogenic mechanisms, the cause behind this cooccurrence is poorly understood. Both morphea and psoriasis have a common immunologic basis involving inappropriate immune activation against self-antigens, which provides a possible explanation for their coexistence.…”