Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy-induced vasculitis: case series

J Rheumatol. 2003 Oct;30(10):2287-91.

Abstract

As experience with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) therapy increases, there has been the expected emergence of reports on uncommon side effects. Large clinical trials identified the development of autoantibodies and postmarketing surveillance has identified problems including tuberculosis. There have been several case reports of drug-induced systemic lupus erythematosus. We describe eight patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with anti-TNF therapies who developed presumed vasculitis, with different pathophysiologic causes. We discuss the literature and potential causal mechanisms, including disease activity, the role of autoantibodies, and shifts in T cell responses.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / complications
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Etanercept
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / adverse effects*
  • Infliximab
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / immunology*
  • Vasculitis / chemically induced*
  • Vasculitis / pathology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Infliximab
  • Etanercept