Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare immune-mediated disease of the peripheral nervous system characterized by motor weakness, sensory symptoms, areflexia, and specific electrophysiological findings. Rarely, Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (anti-TNFa) agents, which are used as a treatment for immune-mediated diseases, can cause neurological adverse effects on the central nervous system, as well as peripheral nervous system demyelination.
We describe the case of a 63-year-old woman with ankylosing spondylitis who developed chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy after infliximab initiation. Considering the absence of other trigger agents from her medical history and the symptom onset, we assume that the development of CIDP is secondary to the anti-TNFa treatment.
Although demyelinating neurological complications of anti-TNF are rare, pharmacovigilance is required. HIPPOKRATIA 2019, 23(4): 179-180.