Possible role for tumour necrosis factor inhibitors in the treatment of resistant dermatomyositis and polymyositis: a retrospective study of eight patients

Abstract

Anti-TNF agents may be useful in some patients with refractory dermatomyositis or polymyositis.

Dermatomyositis During Adalimumab Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Figure 1.

“…Several investigators have described successful use of infliximab and etanercept in refractory cases of DM; Efthimiou, et al reported that addition of etanercept or infliximab to the standard therapy of DM and polymyositis may be useful in selected cases [6][7][8] . Paradoxically, in our patient, anti-TNF-α therapy probably triggered an autoimmune phenomenon clinically manifested as DM.…”

Pilot Study of Etanercept in Patients With Refractory Juvenile Dermatomyositis

“…There is a need to identify therapies for patients refractory to traditional treatments. Reports have suggested improvement in inflammatory myopathies with the introduction of etanercept (5) and infliximab (5,6) in patients who were unresponsive to traditional therapies. A study of 5 patients with resistant juvenile DM reported improvement in all children with the initiation of infliximab (7).…”

Treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases with biologic agents: Opportunities and risks for the elderly

“…A recent retrospective study of eight patients with DM/PM showed benefit in six; two failed to respond. Interestingly, both of the non-responders were older than 60 and had normal creatine kinase levels at baseline (Efthimiou et al, 2006). Studies are needed to confirm these findings and further evaluate other potential therapies being considered, like the use of costimulation blockers and B-cell depletion therapy, the latter of which may be of particular promise in DM.…”