Adalimumab-Induced Lupus Nephritis: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors are known causative agents of systemic lupus erythemato- sus but have rarely been implicated in lupus nephritis. A patient with Crohn's disease on long-term adalimumab treatment presented with new-onset Raynaud's phenomenon and was found to have hematuria and proteinuria. Elevated antinuclear, anti-dsDNA, and MPO antibodies were found. A renal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of lupus nephritis. Adalimumab was discontinued ensuing improvement in urine studies and resolution of dsDNA and MPO antibodies. Adalimumab can induce systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis.