The Role of Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Therapy in Pyoderma Gangrenosum Associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an ulcerative neutrophilic dermatosis seen in 1–5% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The pathogenesis of PG remains unclear, but may be related to abnormal T-cell responses and production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, a powerful proinflammatory cytokine. Although their use is not supported by appropriately controlled trials, corticosteroids and systemic immunosuppressants are the classical cornerstones of treatment of PG, against which they have a nonspecific effect. Successful curative or symptomatic treatment of associated disorders may lead to an improvement in PG.