Fatal exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis associated fibrosing alveolitis in patients given infliximab

Abstract

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF ) antibodies are increasingly used to treat autoimmune conditions. However, their long term safety is unclear. We report three cases of patients who developed rapid fatal exacerbations of rheumatoid arthritis associated fibrosing alveolitis after taking infliximab (a chimeric monoclonal anti-TNF antibody; Remicade, Schering-Plough).