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04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Infliximab-induced nonspecific interstitial pneumonia
Soumitra Sen1, Carrie Peltz, Kim Jordan
1Internal Medicine at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH 43214, USA. soumitrasen.1983@gmail.com
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|June 13, 2012
Summary
Infliximab, a TNF-alpha inhibitor, can cause lung issues like nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis (NSIP). This case highlights a potential link even without other immunosuppressants, emphasizing careful patient monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Infliximab, a tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitor, is associated with various complications, including pulmonary issues.
- Nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis (NSIP) is a rare but serious complication linked to TNF-alpha inhibitors, often when used with other immunosuppressive agents.
Observation:
- A literature review identified 12 patients with presumed infliximab-induced NSIP, all concurrently treated with steroid-sparing immunosuppressants, complicating etiological determination.
- The authors present a case of a young female with ulcerative colitis who developed NSIP while receiving infliximab but no other steroid-sparing immunosuppressants.
Findings:
- The patient's clinical presentation, along with radiologic and histopathological data, supported a diagnosis of infliximab-induced NSIP.
- Discontinuation of infliximab and initiation of high-dose steroid therapy led to complete resolution of the patient's symptoms.
Implications:
- This case suggests infliximab monotherapy may cause NSIP, independent of other immunosuppressive agents.
- Highlights the importance of considering NSIP in patients on infliximab therapy, even without concomitant immunosuppressants.
- Underscores the need for vigilant pulmonary surveillance in patients receiving TNF-alpha inhibitors.
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