Segmental vitiligo after infliximab use for rheumatoid arthritis - A case report

Abstract

The tumor necrosis factor alpha is a cytokine related to immune and inflammatory processes by acting on different parts of the body. It is secreted by several cell types including macrophages, lymphocytes, mono-cytes, neutrophils, dendritic cells, among others. Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to soluble and transmembrane tumor necrosis factor alpha form blocking its action. In rheumatoid arthritis it is used because the cytokines that cause inflammation in this disease are regulated by tumor necrosis factor alpha and IL-1. We report the case of a 46-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis who developed segmental vitiligo after two months using infliximab. The event aims to alert to the existence of this adverse effect that can be induced with the use of this medication. © 2014 by Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia.