[Anti TNF-alpha treatment of a refractory polymyositis].
BACKGROUND
Anti TNF-alpha agents may represent a possibility of treatment in cases of refractory polymyositis.


METHODS
We report a case of polymyositis refractory to corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents in whom adjunction of infliximab led to a mild and transient improvement, and a secondary improvement after discontinuation of the treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
In the reported cases of polymyositis treated with infliximab or etanercept a short-term response was seen in 9 out of 11 cases. Adverse events of the treatment are mentioned, and should be taken into account in the decision of treatment.
Wendling
D
D
Service de Rhumatologie, CHU Jean-Minjoz, boulevard Fleming, 25030 Besançon cedex, France. daniel.wendling@ufc-chu.univ-fcomte.fr
Prati
C
C
Ornetti
P
P
Toussirot
E
E
Streit
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000069285:Infliximab; D017285:Polymyositis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000069285:Infliximab