Pannikulitis, Nekrosen und Exanthem nach Interferon-beta-1b s.c. : Toleranz gegenüber Interferon-beta-1a i.m.

Interferon beta-1b is increasingly used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Cutaneous adverse effects such as subcutaneous nodes and necrotic lesions at the subcutaneous injection sites are frequently seen. We report for the first time a pruritic maculopapular exanthema on trunk and extremities developing after necrotic skin lesions in a 45-year-old patient following subcutaneous injections of interferon beta over 20 months (total dosis 2,3 billions IE Betaferon®). Reproducibility in allergological tests and histological findings support a type IV reaction. The patient tolerates a continued therapy with interferon beta-1a applied in the intramuscular way (Avonex 6 Mio. IE once a week).