Positive antiphospholipid antibodies and pulmonary embolism in a patient with adalimumab-induced lupus

Abstract

ABSTRACT It is known that administration of tumor necrotic factor (TNF) inhibitors induces lupus. The case of a Crohn’s disease patient who had been treated with adalimumab (ADA) and showed positive anti-DNA and antiphospholipid antibodies and developed pulmonary embolism is presented. Fortunately, early diagnosis and intervention helped her survive. Although ADA was withdrawn, the Crohn’s disease did not recur, and the autoantibodies became negative without any steroid therapy. It is important to recognise that administration of TNF inhibitors may be associated with antiphospholipid syndrome. It is necessary to perform therapeutic interventions such as TNF inhibitor withdrawal and prompt anticoagulant therapy when such pathology is suspected.