To the Editor:
Rare cases of paradoxical adverse effects associated with the use of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) antagonists have been reported. We describe a case of new-onset inflammatory polyarthritis associated with the use of adalimumab in the treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD).
A 64-year-old woman with a 10-year history of CD presented with a new onset of symmetrical polyarthritis while being treated with adalimumab. Previous treatment for CD included oral budesonide, prednisone, 5-aminosalicylic acid, and azathioprine; surgery for bowel obstruction had occurred 10 years earlier. Her history was significant for bilateral carpal tunnel release 3 years previously; there was no other history of arthritis, including peripheral arthritis, dactylitis, …