Fatima Zahraa Sassine, Chourouq Mustapha Eid, Hyba Taounza, Karima Senouci, Laila Benzekri, Marieme Meziane
Journal: Medpeer Publisher
ISSN: 3066-2737
Volume: 3
Issue: 6
Date of Publication: 2026/06/01
Morphea as a side effect of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors is a rare phenomenon. Disabling pansclerotic morphea (DPM) is an exceptionally rare and severe subtype characterized by extensive full-thickness skin involvement with potential extension to deeper tissues. We report the case of a 9-year-old boy with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who developed rapidly progressive pansclerotic morphea eight months after initiation of etanercept therapy. The sclerosis began at the injection site and spread to involve the four limbs, trunk, neck, and face within six months, sparing only the fingertips and toes. Histopathological examination confirmed pansclerotic morphea. Etanercept was discontinued, and treatment with methotrexate and corticosteroids was initiated. At two-year follow-up, the sclerosis has significantly decreased, although hand contracture deformities persist. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of juvenile pansclerotic morphea induced by etanercept, and only the second case of pansclerotic morphea induced by any TNF-α inhibitor.
Etanercept; TNF-α inhibitors; pansclerotic morphea; localized scleroderma; juvenile idiopathic arthritis; adverse drug reaction; pediatric
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