Development of type 1 diabetes in a patient treated with anti-TNF-α therapy for active rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

To the Editor: Excess levels of TNF-α have been associated with certain autoimmune diseases. Prolonged administration of TNF-α antibody is used to effectively treat chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatic diseases and Crohn’s disease [1]. Anti-TNF-α drugs have clearly been shown to suppress disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis, and are a candidate therapy for immune intervention in type 1 diabetes. We report a case of a patient with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, who developed type 1 diabetes while receiving anti-TNF-α therapy.