Is the development of drug-related lupus a contraindication for switching from one TNF alpha inhibitor to another?

Abstract

The use of TNF alpha (TNFα) inhibitors has made a strong impact on the management of rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and Crohn disease. Side effects of these agents include the development of autoantibodies and a lupus-like syndrome (drug-related lupus, DRL). Here, a case of a patient who developed DRL while receiving infliximab therapy which resolved spontaneously upon discontinuation of the agent and did not recur with subsequent institution of adalimumab is described. A discussion on the possible pathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of drug-related autoimmunity and differences between the agents is also included.

Keywords

adalimumab apoptosis drug-related lupus infliximab pharmacokinetics

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