[Two cases of respiratory infection complicating treatment with infliximab]

Nihon Kokyuki Gakkai Zasshi. 2007 Apr;45(4):366-71.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Infliximab, an anti-TNF-alpha agent, is highly effective against rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. However, respiratory infection can occur as a complication. We report two cases complicated by respiratory infection following administration of infliximab. The first case, a 67-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis, developed pneumocystis pneumonia after three courses of infliximab therapy. The second case, a 31-year-old man with Crohn's disease, developed pulmonary tuberculosis after four courses of infliximab therapy. Respiratory complications associated with anti-TNF therapy include infectious diseases such as pneumocystis pneumonia, tuberculosis, and bacterial pneumonia. They often lead a fulminant course, and early diagnosis is essential. The final report of a survey of the initial 5000 cases with rheumatoid arthritis treated with infliximab in Japan was released in April 2006; pulmonary infectious complications included 22 cases of pneumocystis pneumonia, 14 cases of tuberculosis, and 108 cases of bacterial pneumonia. The growing use of anti-TNF therapy might lead to increasing pulmonary complications. Accumulation of similar cases is expected to elucidate the mechanism of the complications and methods for effective prophylaxis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
  • Crohn Disease / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Male
  • Pneumocystis carinii*
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / chemically induced*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / chemically induced*
  • Tuberculosis, Pleural / chemically induced
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / chemically induced

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Infliximab