Extraarticular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis develop in patients receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor-α treatment: a retrospective chart review from a UK center.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the evolution of preexisting extraarticular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (EA-RA) in patients treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as the development of new EA-RA.

METHODS

We assessed EA-RA in 152 patients receiving anti-TNF-α treatment.

RESULTS

In 22 cases, a new EA-RA developed. In 5 cases, there was evidence of progression of preexisting EA-RA. Regression was found in 4 cases. Some patients were in disease remission when they developed EA-RA, whereas some patients had moderate/high disease activity.

CONCLUSION

EA-RA are still present in patients treated with anti-TNF-α. Development of new severe EA-RA is rare in patients receiving anti-TNF therapy.