An open study of the anti-TNF alpha agent pentoxifylline in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Monoclonal antibodies to TNF alpha have a rapid therapeutic effect in rheumatoid arthritis. Pentoxifylline is an anti-TNF alpha agent that is easier to handle than antibodies. METHODS: An open prospective trial was conducted in 21 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Pentoxifylline was given in a daily dosage of 1,200 mg for at least one month. Five patients received the drug as a continuous intravenous infusion during the first seven days. RESULTS: After one month, a significant decrease in the pain severity score was noted, but all other clinical and laboratory efficacy parameters were unchanged. A limited response was seen in four patients. TNF alpha levels did not decrease under therapy. CONCLUSION: Under the conditions of our trial, the therapeutic benefits provided by pentoxifylline were too small to warrant use of this drug in severe refractory rheumatoid arthritis.

Shrinking lung syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus. A report of three cases.

Shrinking lung syndrome of systemic lupus erythematosus is characterized by dyspnea, diaphragmatic elevation with decreased mobility, and a restrictive defect. We report three cases in females with systemic lupus erythematosus aged 25, 29, and 42 years. Dyspnea and chest pain were present in all three patients. Elevation of the diaphragm was bilateral in two patients and unilateral in one. Two patients had a very severe restrictive defect. Onset of the pulmonary manifestations occurred in the absence of a flare of the connective tissue disease in two patients. Corticosteroid therapy consistently produced a clinical improvement with a decrease in the restrictive defect. Evidence suggesting diaphragmatic dysfunction is discussed.

[Longitudinal stress fractures of the tibia. Apropos of 3 cases]. / Fractures de contrainte longitudinales du tibia. A propos de trois observations.

Longitudinal stress fractures of the tibia are rare: only 16 cases have been published. We report three cases, in two men aged 54 and 70 years and in one women aged 73. The patients had pain when bearing weight on the affected limb. The pain increased over a few weeks. A diagnosis of arthritis of the ankle joint was entertained in 2 cases. Among the three patients, one was suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and had had Ender nails due to fracture of the femoral neck of the same limb. The longest delay for diagnosis was six months. Plain radiographs were normal in two cases. A technetium 99m MDP bone scan showed increased uptake of the whole shaft of the tibia in one patient, on the lower end of the tibia in two others. Computed tomography was performed in two cases and showed the stress fracture. Diagnosis was often delayed because clear changes at plain X-ray examination, periostal reaction often being delayed. Technetium 99m bone scan early showed increased uptake. CT scan showed callus formation and sometimes the fracture itself. MRI has been studied little.

[Tuberculous septic polyarthritis caused by Mycobacterium bovis]. / Polyarthrite septique tuberculeuse à Mycobacterium bovis.

Infections due to Mycobacterium bovis have become uncommon. We report a case with polyarthritis and cutaneous nodules suggesting a rheumatic disease. This 61 year old male under corticosteroid therapy for asthma developed febrile arthritis of the right wrist and cutaneous nodules that resolved rapidly under treatment with penicillin M and an aminoglycoside. Six months later, he developed arthritis of the right wrist and both elbows, as well as infection of a right hip prosthesis. The left wrist and left knee were then affected concomitantly. The cutaneous nodules recurred. A giant cell granuloma without caseous necrosis was found upon examination of a biopsy specimen from a nodule. Granulomatous lesions with caseous necrosis were seen in a specimen of synovial membrane from the right wrist. Antituberculous treatment ensured resolution of the arthritides and nodules but failed to prevent loosening of the hip prosthesis. Acid-fast bacilli were found in the specimens taken during removal of the prosthesis. After three months, cultures of synovial membrane specimens from the knee grew Mycobacterium bovis.