Etanercept in the treatment of macrophage activation syndrome

J Rheumatol. 2001 Sep;28(9):2120-4.

Abstract

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), a recognized complication of systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (sJRA), has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Dysregulation of macrophage-lymphocyte interactions leading to uncontrolled proliferation of highly activated macrophages and massive release of proinflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) appears to be central to the pathogenesis of this syndrome. Until now the mainstay of therapy has been corticosteroids and cyclosporin A. We describe a patient with MAS and sJRA successfully treated with the anti-TNF agent etanercept. The outcome in this patient suggests etanercept might be an effective therapeutic agent in MAS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / administration & dosage
  • Arthritis, Juvenile / complications
  • Arthritis, Juvenile / diagnosis*
  • Arthritis, Juvenile / drug therapy*
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Bone Marrow / pathology
  • Child
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Etanercept
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / administration & dosage*
  • Macrophage Activation / drug effects*
  • Macrophage Activation / physiology
  • Male
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / administration & dosage*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Skin / pathology
  • Syndrome
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Etanercept