Unusual toxicities with TNF inhibition: Heart failure and drug-induced lupus

J.J. Cush

ABSTRACT
Serious and unexpected adverse events, such as heart failure and drug-induced lupus, have been reported in patients receiving TNF inhibitor therapy. These events generally are easily recognizable, although they cannot be predicted nor avoided, other than by drug avoidance altogether. Many patients have great benefit from anti-TNF therapies. Their intelligent use requires a firm understanding of these rare toxicities, so as to minimize the morbidity associated with their uncommon occurrence.

Key words
TNF inhibitor therapy, congestive heart failure, drug-induced lupus, rheumatoid arthritis.

John J. Cush, MD, Chief, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Please address correspondence to: John J. Cush, MD, Presbyterian Hospital 
of Dallas, 8200 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, Texax 75231-4496, USA.

Clin Exp Rheumatol 2004; 22 (Suppl. 35): S141-S147.
© Copyright Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 2004.