Infliximab in relapsing polychondritis.

Abstract

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare systemic disease of unknown etiology, characterized by recurrent inflammation of cartilaginous structures and other connective tissues, including the ears, nose, joints, respiratory tract, and others. Due to the presence of typical signs and symptoms, biopsy is seldom necessary. Treatment includes corticosteroids, occasionally associated with immunosuppressive agents, but refractory cases are described. Recent reports suggest that anti-TNF agents, such as infliximab, may be of value in patients who do not respond to conventional therapy, but experience with this treatment is scarce. In this paper, the authors report the case of a patient with RP refractory to combined treatment with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents, who showed a good response to infliximab.

• Authors: Ana Paula Soares de Barros, Nilton Akeshi Nakamura, Thiara de Freitas Borges Santana, Janaina Queiroz dos Santos Motta, Washington Alves Bianchi
• Journal: Revista brasileira de reumatologia (Rev Bras Reumatol) 2010 Mar-Apr Vol. 50 Issue 2 Pg. 211-6 ISSN: 1809-4570 [Electronic] Brazil
• PMID: 21125156 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Infliximab

Topics

• Adult
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (therapeutic use)
• Antibodies, Monoclonal (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Infliximab
• Polychondritis, Relapsing (drug therapy)