Abstract
A possible role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in the pathomechanism of sarcoidosis must be considered in the analysis of this disorder since elevated concentrations of this cytokine have been found. In addition, TNFα expression could be demonstrated in sarcoid granulomata [1]. It is well known that TNFα plays a crucial role in granulomatous inflammation, e.g., in mycobacterial diseases [2]. Therefore, TNFα blockade is a potential approach in the therapy for sarcoidosis. Up to now, various cases of therapy-resistant sarcoidosis treated with anti-TNFα (infliximab and etanercept) have been reported [3–8]. Here, we describe successful treatment using adalimumab, a human recombinant immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 anti-TNF monoclonal antibody [9].
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Seitzer U, Swider C, Stüber F, Suchnicki K, Lange A, Ritcher E et al (1997) Tumour necrosis factor α promoter gene polymorphism in sarcoidosis. Cytokine 9:787–790
Mohan VP, Scanga CA, Yu K, Scott HM, Tanaka KE, Tsang E et al (2001) Effects of tumor necrosis factor α on host immune response in chronic persistent tuberculosis: possible role for limiting pathology. Infect Immun 69:1847–1855
Yee AMF, Pochapin MB (2001) Treatment of complicated sarcoidosis wit infliximab anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapy. Ann Intern Med 135:27–31
Baughman RP, Lower EF (2001) Infliximab for refractory sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis 18:70–74
Utz JP, Limper AH, Kalra S, Specks U, Scott JP, Vulk-Pavlovic Z et al (2003) Etanercept for the treatment of stage II and III progressive pulmonary sarcoidosis. Chest 124:177–185
Ulbritcht KU, Stoll M, Bierwirth J, Witte T, Schmidt RE (2003) Successful tumor necrosis factor α blockade treatment in therapy-resistant sarcoidosis. Arthritis Rheum 48:3542–3543
Ali Y, Perlman E (2004) Successful treatment of sarcoidosis. Ann Intern Med 140:48
Thumfart J, Müller D, Rudolph B, Zimmering M, Querfeld U, Haffner D (2004) Isolated sarcoid granulomatous interstitial nephritis responding to infliximab therapy. Am J Kidney Dis 45:411–414
Baker DE (2004) Adalimumab: human recombinant immunoglobulin G1 anti-tumor necrosis factor monoclonal antibody. Rev Gastroenterol Disord 4:196–210
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Callejas-Rubio, J.L., Ortego-Centeno, N., Lopez-Perez, L. et al. Treatment of therapy-resistant sarcoidosis with adalimumab. Clin Rheumatol 25, 596–597 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-005-0037-9
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-005-0037-9