Guillain-Barrè syndrome after treatment with human anti-tumor necrosis factorα (adalimumab) in a Crohn's disease patient: case report and literature review

Abstract

Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha antibodies have been used with increasing frequency despite the number of reported adverse effects. Further new information is still emerging. Here we report the case of a 71-years-old patient affected by Crohn's disease and HCV-positive who developed Guillain-Barrè syndrome after four injections of fully human anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha antibodies (adalimumab). Indication for the treatment was severe clinical recurrence of Crohn's disease following intestinal resection. Guillain-Barrè syndrome was treated by intravenous immunoglobulins, and methylprednisolone and plasmapheresis were started with a progressive partial resolution of neurological symptoms. To date, Crohn's disease was maintained in clinical remission with low dose steroid therapy.