Lewis-Sumner syndrome associated with infliximab therapy in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

We report 2 cases of Lewis-Sumner syndrome (LSS) diagnosed in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis undergoing treatment with the antitumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) monoclonal antibody infliximab. While experiencing clinical improvement in their arthritic symptoms, both patients experienced sensory deficits and weakness in multiple nerve distributions. They had electrodiagnostic evidence of motor conduction block and subsequent improvement with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). We describe the details of the cases and review the literature on immune-mediated neuropathies associated with anti-TNF-alpha therapy.