Anaphylaxis to etanercept in two children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

J Clin Rheumatol. 2013 Apr;19(3):129-31. doi: 10.1097/RHU.0b013e318285f1e9.

Abstract

Anti-tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) medications have revolutionized the care of children and adults with chronic arthritis. They are quick acting, highly effective, and remarkably safe, particularly in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Anti-TNFα agents come in 2 basic varieties: monoclonal antibodies to TNFα (e.g., infliximab, adalimumab) and a fusion protein containing a TNF receptor (etanercept). Although hypersensitivity reactions are not uncommon with some of the TNFα antibodies (e.g., infliximab), there are only rare reports of anaphylaxis to subcutaneous injections of etanercept in adults with rheumatoid arthritis. Herein, we report 2 cases of anaphylaxis in children with JIA after etanercept injections. Although rare, pediatricians need to be aware of this potentially dangerous occurrence.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adalimumab
  • Adolescent
  • Anaphylaxis / chemically induced*
  • Anaphylaxis / diagnosis*
  • Anaphylaxis / drug therapy
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Arthritis, Juvenile / drug therapy*
  • Child
  • Epinephrine / therapeutic use
  • Etanercept
  • Female
  • Histamine Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / adverse effects*
  • Immunoglobulin G / therapeutic use*
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Male
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Histamine Antagonists
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Prednisolone
  • Adalimumab
  • Etanercept
  • Epinephrine