Related Experiment Videos

Medically refractory neurosarcoidosis treated with infliximab

J Pereira1, N E Anderson, D McAuley

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Auckland Department of Neurology, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand. j.pereira@auckland.ac.nz

Internal Medicine Journal
|April 22, 2011
PubMed

Insights

For neurosarcoidosis resistant to standard treatment, infliximab offers a potential new therapy. This case series shows infliximab can improve symptoms with limited side effects in difficult cases.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Neurosarcoidosis is a rare granulomatous disease affecting the central nervous system.
  • Standard immunosuppressive therapies are not always effective, leading to medically refractory cases.
  • There is a need for alternative treatments for severe neurosarcoidosis.

Observation:

  • Three patients with medically refractory neurosarcoidosis were treated with infliximab.
  • Clinical response was observed in all three patients.
  • Side effects associated with infliximab treatment were minimal.

Findings:

  • Infliximab demonstrated clinical efficacy in patients with treatment-resistant neurosarcoidosis.
  • The safety profile of infliximab in this context appears favorable.
  • A review of existing literature on infliximab for neurosarcoidosis is included.

Implications:

  • Infliximab may represent a viable therapeutic option for refractory neurosarcoidosis.
  • Further research is warranted to establish infliximab's role in neurosarcoidosis management.
  • This study contributes to understanding treatment strategies for complex neurological autoimmune conditions.

Related Concept Videos

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF01:24

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents01:29

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management01:29

Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management

Upon diagnosis, managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves addressing several crucial aspects. The primary goals include resting the bowel, correcting malnutrition, and providing symptomatic relief. Resting the bowel may consist of medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Correcting malnutrition is essential, often requiring dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements. Symptomatic relief aims to ease pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts in IBD.
Pharmacologic...