Neurological complications of infliximab

Abstract

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.