1. Guillain-Barré Syndrome in a Patient Receiving Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor for Crohn Disease: Coincidence or Consequence?
- Author
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da Costa Ferreira, Sandro, de Oliveira Vasconcelos, Juarez Roberto, Fontes Rezende, Rosamar Eulira, Otoboni Aprile, Lilian Rose, and de Almeida Troncon, Luiz Ernesto
- Subjects
CROHN'S disease ,GUILLAIN-Barre syndrome ,INFLAMMATORY bowel diseases ,TUMOR necrosis factors ,SYMPTOMS ,GASTROPARESIS ,IMMUNE reconstitution inflammatory syndrome - Abstract
Background: Antibodies against tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-α) are currently widely used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), despite a number of reported adverse effects. Diverse neurologic syndromes, including the Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an immune-mediated disease characterized by evolving ascending limb weakness, sensory loss, and areflexia, have been described in association with anti-TNF-α therapy. Case Report: A 45-year-old White woman was in follow-up with fistulizing ileocolonic Crohn disease using combination therapy (infliximab plus azathioprine) as CD maintenance therapy. After 3 years of this immunosuppressive therapy, she presented with symmetrical and ascending paresis in the lower limbs, and later in the upper limbs, in addition to reduced reflexes in the knees, 1 day after an infliximab infusion. The patient was hospitalized and treatment for CD was suspended. Neurophysiology studies demonstrated a pattern compatible with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy, with predominantly motor involvement, consistent with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Clinical, laboratory, and imaging exams were unremarkable. She was treated with intravenous immunoglobulins, with a progressive and complete resolution of neurological symptoms. After 1-year follow-up, she presented with active Crohn disease, and we opted for treating her with vedolizumab, with which she achieved clinical and endoscopic remission. Conclusions: Patients receiving biological therapy with anti-TNF-α agents should be monitored for central or peripheral neurological signs and symptoms. The development of GBS can be secondary to anti-TNF-α treatment. The positive temporal relationship with TNF-α therapy and onset of neurological symptoms reinforces this possibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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