DPP4 inhibitor-induced polyarthritis: a report of three cases

Rheumatol Int. 2014 Feb;34(2):291-2. doi: 10.1007/s00296-013-2710-7. Epub 2013 Mar 5.

Abstract

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors are a novel therapy widespread used in type 2 diabetes mellitus. We describe 3 cases of polyarthritis which delay of appearance strongly suggests a link with DPP4 inhibitors. Three patients presented with bilateral, symmetrical, seronegative polyarthritis after introduction of DPP4 inhibitors (sitagliptine (n = 2) and vildagliptine (n = 1)). Two patients also developed xerostomia and xerostomia, and laboratory test results showed normal values of CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Joints X-rays were normal. One patient was diagnosed with primary Sjögren's syndrome and treated with hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate and prednisone, with a poor efficacy. When sitagliptine was stopped, all symptoms disappeared, leading to methotrexate and prednisone discontinuation within a month. There were no immunological abnormalities in the 2 other patients, but a chronic viral hepatitis B was found in one patient. Eventually, discontinuation of DPP4 inhibitors led to resolution of symptoms in 1 and 3 weeks for both patients. DPP4 inhibitors seemed to trigger bilateral, non-erosive, seronegative polyarthritis in our 3 patients. DPP4, also known as CD26, is expressed on many cells including lymphocytes and fibroblasts, and its inhibition may lead to immunomodulating effect as suggested by clinical and in vitro studies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Adamantane / adverse effects
  • Adamantane / analogs & derivatives
  • Arthritis / chemically induced*
  • Arthritis / diagnosis
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / diagnosis
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / enzymology
  • Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 / metabolism*
  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nitriles / adverse effects
  • Pyrazines / adverse effects
  • Pyrrolidines / adverse effects
  • Risk Factors
  • Sitagliptin Phosphate
  • Triazoles / adverse effects
  • Vildagliptin

Substances

  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Nitriles
  • Pyrazines
  • Pyrrolidines
  • Triazoles
  • DPP4 protein, human
  • Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4
  • Vildagliptin
  • Adamantane
  • Sitagliptin Phosphate