Successful Use of Certolizumab Pegol for Refractory Psoriatic Arthritis Triggered by COVID-19 Infection

Intern Med. 2022 Feb 1;61(3):433-438. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.8643-21. Epub 2021 Nov 20.

Abstract

Recently, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has spread worldwide. Although nearly all patients incur mild-to-moderate disease from this viral infection, some develop severe manifestations with a poor prognosis. COVID-19 can also induce autoimmune disease; several cases of arthritis following COVID-19 have been documented in the literature, such as reactive arthritis and chronic arthritis. We herein report a case of psoriatic arthritis triggered by COVID-19. Although the arthritis had been refractory to glucocorticoids and methotrexate, certolizumab pegol subsequently led to remission.

Keywords: COVID-19; certolizumab pegol; psoriatic arthritis; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antirheumatic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Psoriatic* / drug therapy
  • Arthritis, Psoriatic* / virology
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Certolizumab Pegol* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Polyethylene Glycols / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Certolizumab Pegol