Spinal epidural abscess associated with infliximab treatment for psoriatic arthritis. Case report

J Neurosurg Spine. 2008 Sep;9(3):261-4. doi: 10.3171/SPI/2008/9/9/261.

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors are used to treat numerous chronic inflammatory and rheumatological diseases, such as Crohn disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Because the mechanism of these inhibitors is to decrease the body's inflammatory response, the primary complication of treatment is infection. The authors present the first case of a spinal epidural abscess in a patient receiving long-term infliximab therapy for severe psoriatic arthritis. Infliximab and its side-effect profile are discussed, along with other associated complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / drug therapy*
  • Epidural Abscess / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Infliximab