Extraarticular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis develop in patients receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor-α treatment: a retrospective chart review from a UK center

J Rheumatol. 2014 Oct;41(10):1944-7. doi: 10.3899/jrheum.131026. Epub 2014 Sep 1.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the evolution of preexisting extraarticular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (EA-RA) in patients treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as the development of new EA-RA.

Methods: We assessed EA-RA in 152 patients receiving anti-TNF-α treatment.

Results: In 22 cases, a new EA-RA developed. In 5 cases, there was evidence of progression of preexisting EA-RA. Regression was found in 4 cases. Some patients were in disease remission when they developed EA-RA, whereas some patients had moderate/high disease activity.

Conclusion: EA-RA are still present in patients treated with anti-TNF-α. Development of new severe EA-RA is rare in patients receiving anti-TNF therapy.

Keywords: EXTRAARTICULAR MANIFESTATIONS; RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS; TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-α.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / diagnosis*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Rheumatoid Nodule / diagnosis*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors
  • United Kingdom
  • Vasculitis / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha