Adverse effect of tocilizumab treatment on split thickness skin graft —a case report

We present a case of a 61-year-old man, treated with tocilizumab for severe poly-articular, erosive psoriasis arthritis. He was diagnosed with BCC on the scalp and underwent excision followed by STSG with no complications. The patient experienced graft loss after commencing tocilizumab treatment days to weeks post grafting on numerous occasions. We find this possible adverse effect of tocilizumab on skin grafts to be of great importance to report as it is not previously mentioned in any literature. We hope that this case report will increase the awareness of this possible adverse effect on STSG in patients treated with tocilizumab (TCZ). As the patient is dependent on arthritis symptoms to be well controlled, it is of great importance to both medical and surgical teams responsible for treatment to be able to collaborate to plan best treatment, timing, and strategy.Level of Evidence: Level V, risk / prognostic studyLevel of Evidence: Level V, risk / prognostic study.
Source: European Journal of Plastic Surgery - Category: Cosmetic Surgery Source Type: research