Autoimmune diseases induced by TNF-targeted therapies: analysis of 233 cases

M Ramos-Casals, P Brito-Zerón, S Muñoz, N Soria… - Medicine, 2007 - journals.lww.com
M Ramos-Casals, P Brito-Zerón, S Muñoz, N Soria, D Galiana, L Bertolaccini, MJ Cuadrado
Medicine, 2007journals.lww.com
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-targeted therapies are increasingly used for a rapidly
expanding number of rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. With this use and longer follow-
up periods of treatment, there are a growing number of reports of the development of
autoimmune processes related to anti-TNF agents. We have analyzed the clinical
characteristics, outcomes, and patterns of association with the different anti-TNF agents
used in all reports of autoimmune diseases developing after TNF-targeted therapy found …
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-targeted therapies are increasingly used for a rapidly expanding number of rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. With this use and longer follow-up periods of treatment, there are a growing number of reports of the development of autoimmune processes related to anti-TNF agents. We have analyzed the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and patterns of association with the different anti-TNF agents used in all reports of autoimmune diseases developing after TNF-targeted therapy found through a MEDLINE search of articles published between January 1990 and December 2006. We identified 233 cases of autoimmune diseases (vasculitis in 113, lupus in 92, interstitial lung diseases in 24, and other diseases in 4) secondary to TNF-targeted therapies in 226 patients. The anti-TNF agents were administered for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 187 (83%) patients, Crohn disease in 17, ankylosing spondylitis in 7, psoriatic arthritis in 6, juvenile RA in 5, and other diseases in 3. The anti-TNF agents administered were infliximab in 105 patients, etanercept in 96, adalimumab in 21, and other anti-TNF agents in 3.
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins