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Successful treatment of dermatomyositis and polymyositis with anti-tumor-necrosis-factor-alpha: preliminary observations.

Hengstman GJ, van den Hoogen FH, Barrera P, Netea MG, Pieterse A, van de Putte LB, van Engelen BG.

Neuromuscular Centre Nijmegen,
Institute of Neurology,
University Medical Centre Nijmegen,
Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
g.hengstman@neuro.umcn.nl

Tumor necrosis factor alpha neutralization seems a rational therapy for myositis because this proinflammatory cytokine has been implicated in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Until now, we have treated 2 patients with a chimeric anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody (infliximab). Both patients demonstrated a marked and sustained subjective and objective improvement without the occurrence of any side effects.

These preliminary results suggest that anti-TNF-alpha treatment with infliximab is a safe and rapidly effective therapy for myositis.