Infliximab induced chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: a case report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare immune-mediated peripheral nervous system disorder.
• Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (anti-TNFa) agents are used for immune-mediated diseases but can rarely cause neurological adverse effects.
• Peripheral nervous system demyelination is a potential neurological complication associated with anti-TNFa therapy.

Observation:

• A 63-year-old woman with ankylosing spondylitis developed CIDP after initiating infliximab treatment.
• The patient's medical history lacked other potential triggers for CIDP.
• The onset of symptoms strongly suggested a link to the anti-TNFa treatment.

Findings:

• The case suggests a secondary development of CIDP attributed to anti-TNFa treatment.
• This case adds to the rare reports of demyelinating complications linked to anti-TNFa agents.
• The electrophysiological findings were consistent with CIDP.

Implications:

• Pharmacovigilance for anti-TNFa agents is crucial due to rare neurological complications.
• Clinicians should consider CIDP in patients on anti-TNFa therapy presenting with relevant neurological symptoms.
• Further research may elucidate the mechanisms underlying anti-TNFa-induced demyelination.