Infliximab for refractory sarcoidosis
Baughman, R.P.; Lower, E.E.
Sarcoidosis Vasculitis and Diffuse Lung Diseases Official Journal of Wasog 18(1): 70-74
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 1124-0490 PMID: 11354550 Document Number: 532909
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) appears to be an important cytokine in the inflammation of sarcoidosis. Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody which specifically inhibits TNF-alpha. We investigated the efficacy of infliximab for the therapy of chronic, resistant sarcoidosis. Patients with persistent symptomatic sarcoidosis despite corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents were selected for treatment with infliximab. Patients were treated initially and at 2, 4, and 12 weeks with 5 mg/kg of infliximab at each treatment. Index lesions, which had progressed despite corticosteroid therapy, were reevaluated at 16 weeks. Three patients were treated. In two patients, the index lesion was lupus pernio, which significantly improved with infliximab. The third patient had restrictive lung disease. At week 16, there was a 26% improvement in the vital capacity from pretreatment values. All patients tolerated the treatments well. Infliximab was associated with significant improvement in chronic sarcoidosis.