In recent years, the use of antibodies against tumor necrosis factor á (TNFá) has expanded in rheumatology, gastroenterology, and dermatology. In addition to the more common side effects such as infections and hypersensitivity reactions, elevations of liver enzymes have been reported during anti-TNFá therapy, although severe liver failure has been extremely uncommon. This report describes a patient with severe liver failure after induction therapy with the TNFá antibody infliximab (Remicade®). A 46-year old female patient received two infusions of infliximab at a dose of 400 mg on weeks 0 and 8 for steroid-dependent ulcerative colitis. Eight weeks after the second infusion, she suffered acute liver failure with necrosis, requiring liver transplantation.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents Antibodies, Monoclonal