A unique case of acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to rheumatoid lung disease with administration of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) agent
Recommended Citation
Sherlock D, Ahdi HS, Mehta R. A Unique Case of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Secondary to Rheumatoid Lung Disease With Administration of Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNFα) Agent. Cureus. 2023;15(4):e37990. Published 2023 Apr 22. doi:10.7759/cureus.37990
Abstract
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may experience complications directly from the disease process or from immune-modulating agents used to treat RA. Adalimumab is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody directed against tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) which has been increasingly used in the management of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Acute lung injury has been associated with the use of anti-TNFα agents, but the association with adalimumab is rare. Here we present a case of a patient with RA-associated lung disease who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome while being treated with adalimumab. Adalimumab-related lung injury is less common than lung injury associated with other anti-TNFα drugs, thus clinicians should be aware of this condition, as prompt recognition and supportive management can help prevent worsening outcomes.
Type
Article
PubMed ID
37223151
Affiliations
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital