Adverse effect of TNF-alpha blocker? Demyelination in an ankylosing spondylitis patient: a case report

J Clin Pharm Ther. 2006 Dec;31(6):645-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2710.2006.00779.x.

Abstract

Anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha agents promise better disease control for treatment of inflammatory arthritides which are resistant to classical disease-modifying treatment and provide better functional outcome. But these agents are not free of adverse events. The exact relationship between use of anti-TNF drugs and development of demyelination cannot be established yet. Here we present a case of a 36-year-old man who developed demyelination in the cervical spinal cord while he was being treated with etanercept for ankylosing spondylitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cervical Vertebrae
  • Etanercept
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Myelitis, Transverse / chemically induced*
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing / drug therapy*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Etanercept