Successful treatment of dermatomyositis and polymyositis with anti-tumor-necrosis-factor-alpha: preliminary observations

Eur Neurol. 2003;50(1):10-5. doi: 10.1159/000070852.

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor alpha neutralization seems a rational therapy for myositis because this proinflammatory cytokine has been implicated in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Until now, we have treated 2 patients with a chimeric anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody (infliximab). Both patients demonstrated a marked and sustained subjective and objective improvement without the occurrence of any side effects. These preliminary results suggest that anti-TNF-alpha treatment with infliximab is a safe and rapidly effective therapy for myositis.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Biopsy
  • Creatine Kinase / blood
  • Cytokines / blood
  • Dermatomyositis / drug therapy*
  • Dermatomyositis / immunology
  • Dermatomyositis / pathology
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Electromyography / drug effects
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Isometric Contraction / drug effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology
  • Polymyositis / drug therapy*
  • Polymyositis / immunology
  • Polymyositis / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / physiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Cytokines
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Infliximab
  • Creatine Kinase