[Interferon-alpha-associated polyarthritis. Possible induction of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis by interferon-alpha: two case reports and review of the literature].
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.
Kötter
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Medizinische Universitätsklinik, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10 D-72076, Tübingen. ina.koetter@med.uni-tuebingen.de
Müller
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CA
Einsele
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Mohren
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M
Kanz
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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
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011239:Prednisolone