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Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are known to induce autoimmune diseases, such as lupus-like syndrome; in rare cases, TNF inhibitor-induced myositis has been reported. This report documents the case of a male patient with ulcerative colitis (UC) complicated by TNF inhibitor-induced myositis. After UC diagnosis and treatment with azathioprine and infliximab, he was evaluated for a recent 5-month history of muscle weakness and pain. Laboratory tests revealed elevated muscle enzymes, such as serum creatine kinase (CK) and aldolase. He also tested positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and anti-double stranded DNA antibodies. High-intensity signals in his quadriceps on magnetic resonance image (MRI) and fibrillation potentials in his proximal muscles on electromyography were demonstrated. Muscle biopsy revealed the endomysial infiltration of mononuclear cells surrounding myofibers. Eventually, the patient fulfilled the classification criteria for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Although an adverse drug reaction of infliximab had been speculated, his muscle involvements did not improve in 6 weeks from the last administration of infliximab; therefore, treatment with prednisolone was initiated. Subsequently, his muscle symptoms ameliorated, and his serum CK levels returned to normal. Repeat MRI revealed a complete resolution of the signal intensity, and he reported no symptoms of UC or myositis while prednisolone was tapered without resumption of infliximab. Clinicians should consider the diagnosis of drug-induced myositis if muscle symptoms develop in patients treated with TNF inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to understand the status quo of medical treatments of the primary disease and pregnancy outcomes in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TAK) and children's birth outcomes., Methods: This study retrospectively enrolled patients with TAK who conceived after the disease onset and were managed at medical facilities participating in the Japan Research Committee of the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare for Intractable Vasculitis., Results: This study enrolled 51 cases and 68 pregnancies 2019-2021. Of these, 48 cases and 65 pregnancies (95.6%) resulted in delivery and live-born babies. The median age of diagnosis and delivery was 22 and 31, respectively. Preconception therapy included prednisolone (PSL) in 51 (78.5%, median 7.5 mg/day), immunosuppressants in 18 (27.7%), and biologics in 12 (18.5%) pregnancies. Six cases underwent surgical treatment before pregnancy. Medications during pregnancy included PSL in 48 (73.8%, median: 9 mg/day), immunosuppressants in 13 (20.0%), and biologics in 9 (13.8%) pregnancies. Enlargement of an aneurysm was reported in one pregnancy, which might be associated with increased circulating plasma volume. TAK relapsed in 4 (6.2%) and 8 (12.3%) pregnancies during pregnancy and after delivery, respectively. Additionally, 13/62 (20.9%) preterm infants and 17/59 (28.8%) low birth weight infants were observed, and none had serious postnatal abnormalities. Of the 51 confirmed infants, 42 (82.4%) were exclusively breastfed or mixed with formula., Conclusion: Most pregnancies in TAK were manageable with PSL at ≤10 mg/day. Relapse during pregnancy and postpartum occurred in <20% of pregnancies., (© Japan College of Rheumatology 2024. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site–for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)