Visceral leishmaniasis infection in a rheumatoid arthritis patient treated with infliximab

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2005 Nov-Dec;23(6):891-2.

Abstract

Anti-TNFalpha strategies can result in significant clinical benefits in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but with an increased rate of opportunistic infections. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe disease that can develop in immunocompromised hosts, principally in HIV patients. VL in RA patients treated with TNFalpha antagonists is an extremely rare event, and only one case has been described. Here we report a case of VL, occurring after 9 infusions of infliximab in association with azathioprine, in a patient who developed blood cytopenia, fluctuant fever, and splenomegaly.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / complications
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / complications*
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / immunology
  • Middle Aged
  • Opportunistic Infections / immunology
  • Opportunistic Infections / parasitology*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Infliximab