title: [Interferon-alpha-associated polyarthritis. Possible induction of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis by interferon-alpha: two case reports and review of the literature].
abstract: We describe a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and a patient with hairy cell leukemia being effectively treated with alpha-interferon who developed a seropositive chronic polyarthritis formally fulfilling the ACR criteria for rheumatoid arthritis. Because of its efficacy, interferon was not discontinued, and the arthritis treated with low-dose prednisolone or NSAIDS. These are the 19th and 20th case of symmetrical polyarthritis during alpha-interferon therapy fulfilling the criteria for RA. The possible mechanisms of the relatively frequent appearance of autoimmune diseases during interferon therapy are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Universitätsklinik, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10 D-72076, Tübingen. ina.koetter@med.uni-tuebingen.de
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kötter
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Einsele
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mohren
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kanz
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007943:Leukemia, Hairy Cell / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015464:Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011239:Prednisolone