[Worsening of subacute lupus erythematosus induced by infliximab].
BACKGROUND
Infliximab (Remicade) is an anti-TNF alpha indicated in the treatment of chronic inflammatory rheumatism, notably rheumatoid arthritis.


METHODS
We report the case of a 56 year-old woman who developed severe worsening of an SSA-positive subacute lupus erythematosus on initiation of treatment with infliximab for rheumatoid arthritis.


CONCLUSIONS
A review of the literature found 30 cases of drug-induced lupus and listed the autoimmune modifications induced by anti-TNF alpha. This first case of subacute lupus erythematosus, existing before the introduction of treatment and worsening during the latter, emphasizes the risk of developing a severe flare of an autoimmune disease during treatment with anti-TNF alpha. It raises the question of the relative contraindications of anti-TNF alpha in patients with lupus erythematosus.
Vabre-Latre
C-M
CM
Service de Dermatologie, CHU Purpan, Toulouse.
Bayle
P
P
Marguery
M-C
MC
Gadroy
A
A
Durand
D
D
Bazex
J
J
D000208:Acute Disease; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000069285:Infliximab; D008178:Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D000069285:Infliximab