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Parkinsonism as a side effect of infliximab
Jakob Nørgaard Henriksen1, Bengt Oluf Mikael Eriksson2
1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
Abstract:
We present a case of a 64-year-old man with Crohn's disease who developed parkinsonism after starting treatment with infliximab (Remicade). The patient had a 30-year history of Crohn's disease with previous surgical procedures and treatment with methotrexate. Treatment was augmented with infliximab, and 3 days after the first dose of 400 mg, a resting tremor began in the left leg. Over 4 months, symptoms progressed and now involved the right leg as well as both hands. There was no clinical effect of infliximab treatment, and the treatment was withdrawn 4 months later. The patient then experienced gradual, but continual, improvement of the resting tremor after withdrawal of infliximab. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report describing a patient developing parkinsonism after starting treatment with infliximab, with symptoms remitting on discontinuation.
Insights
A man with Crohn's disease developed parkinsonism after infliximab treatment. Symptoms improved after discontinuing the drug, suggesting a potential link between infliximab and parkinsonism.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
- Infliximab is a biologic therapy used for Crohn's disease.
- Parkinsonism is a neurological disorder characterized by movement abnormalities.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old male with a 30-year history of Crohn's disease was treated with infliximab.
- Within 3 days of the first infliximab dose, the patient developed a resting tremor.
- Parkinsonism symptoms progressed over 4 months, affecting both legs and hands.
Findings:
- Infliximab treatment was withdrawn after 4 months due to lack of efficacy and symptom development.
- The patient experienced gradual improvement in resting tremor after infliximab discontinuation.
- This case suggests a potential association between infliximab and the development of parkinsonism.
Implications:
- This report highlights a rare adverse effect of infliximab, potentially parkinsonism.
- Further investigation is warranted to understand the mechanism linking infliximab to parkinsonism.
- Clinicians should monitor for neurological side effects in patients treated with infliximab.
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