Neurological complications of infliximab

• Published in: Journal of rheumatology 2006-05, Vol.33 (5), p.1018-1020
• Main Authors: JARAND, Julie, ZOCHODNE, Douglas W, MARTIN, Liam O, VOLL, Christopher
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antibodies, Monoclonal - adverse effects; Antibodies, Monoclonal - therapeutic use; Antirheumatic Agents - adverse effects; Antirheumatic Agents - therapeutic use; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - drug therapy; Biological and medical sciences; Cranial nerves. Spinal roots. Peripheral nerves. Autonomic nervous system. Gustation. Olfaction; Demyelinating Diseases - chemically induced; Demyelinating Diseases - pathology; Demyelinating Diseases - physiopathology; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Female; Humans; Inflammatory joint diseases; Infliximab; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Nervous system (semeiology, syndromes); Nervous System - drug effects; Nervous System - pathology; Nervous System - physiopathology; Nervous system as a whole; Neurology; Polyneuropathies - chemically induced; Polyneuropathies - pathology; Polyneuropathies - physiopathology
• ISSN: 0315-162X; 1499-2752

The use of anti-tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) therapies has led to improved outcomes in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the use of these new therapeutic agents requires careful monitoring for adverse effects. We describe 3 patients who developed neurological disease closely associated with the use of infliximab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to and inactivates TNF-a. All had evidence of polyneuropathy, demyelinating in one and axonal in 2. One patient had a central nervous system syndrome. Physicians should be aware of these potential adverse effects when treating patients with infliximab.