Severe drug-associated colitis with Crohn’s features in setting of ixekizumab therapy for chronic plaque psoriasis

• Main Authors: Xin Mu, John Fardy, Stephanie Reid, Julia Trahey
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021-10-01
• Series: BMC Gastroenterology
• Subjects: Ixekizumab; Inflammatory bowel disease; Drug-associated colitis; Psoriasis; Case report
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-021-01936-w

Abstract Background Ixekizumab is monoclonal antibody targeted against interleukin-17 (IL-17) and has been approved for use in chronic plaque psoriasis. Despite its efficacy in treating psoriasis, concerns have been raised regarding Ixekizumab’s potential to induce and exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Case presentation Here we report the new onset of severe drug-associated colitis with surgical complications in a 45-year-old male patient who was receiving Ixekizumab therapy for chronic plaque psoriasis. Review of the patient’s colonic pathology demonstrated acute inflammatory changes with features of Crohn’s disease. The patient remained disease-free 9-months following his hospitalization and cessation of Ixekizumab. Conclusions This case raises suspicion for an association between Ixekizumab and IBD and calls on clinicians to have heightened awareness of potential risks before prescribing anti-IL-17 agents.