Lepromatous leprosy associated with the use of anti-TNF α therapy: case report.
TNF blockers have been used in the treatment of several types of chronic inflammatory arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis. However, many doubts regarding the safety and high risk of infectious diseases in these patients remain. The main objective of this report was to present a case of lepromatous leprosy in a rheumatoid arthritis patient using TNF blockers. The development of adverse events should be rigorously observed, especially those related to infectious agents. Thus, appropriate investigation of skin lesions in patients receiving anti-TNFα therapy is recommended, as the initial clinical manifestation may be unusual, particularly in endemic regions in Brazil.
Rheumatology Department, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil.
Daniele S
DS
Freitas
Natalia
N
Machado
Fernando V
FV
Andrigueti
Edgard T
ET
Reis Neto
Marcelo M
MM
Pinheiro
D000068879:Adalimumab; D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D006801:Humans; D015440:Leprosy, Lepromatous / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000068879:Adalimumab