Case Report

J Rheum Dis 2016; 23(1): 55-60

Published online February 29, 2016

© Korean College of Rheumatology

A Case of Sepsis Caused by Cellulitis in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis after Tocilizumab Treatment

Min Seok Yoo, Ji Sang Park, Yoon Suk Park, Hye Won Kim, Jin-Wuk Hur

Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eulji General Hospital, Eulji University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

Correspondence to : Jin-Wuk Hur
Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eulji General Hospital, Eulji University College of
Medicine, 68 Hangeulbiseok-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01830, Korea. E-mail: rheumatism@eulji.ac.kr

Received: March 26, 2015; Revised: April 16, 2015; Accepted: April 20, 2015

Abstract

Tocilizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against the interleukin-6 receptor, is therapeutically effective in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with placebo. However patients treated with tocilizumab are at increased risk of several adverse effects including anaphylaxis and serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. Therefore, the risks and benefits of treatment with tocilizumab should be considered carefully and close monitoring of patients for development of signs and symptoms of side effects is required during and after treatment. Here, we report on a rare case of anaphylaxis and severe sepsis caused by cellulitis in a patient with RA after tocilizumab treatment. (J Rheum Dis 2016;23:55-60)

Keywords Tocilizumab, Anaphylaxis, Cellulitis, Sepsis

Article

Case Report

J Rheum Dis 2016; 23(1): 55-60

Published online February 29, 2016

Copyright © Korean College of Rheumatology.

A Case of Sepsis Caused by Cellulitis in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis after Tocilizumab Treatment

Min Seok Yoo, Ji Sang Park, Yoon Suk Park, Hye Won Kim, Jin-Wuk Hur

Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eulji General Hospital, Eulji University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

Correspondence to:Jin-Wuk Hur
Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eulji General Hospital, Eulji University College of
Medicine, 68 Hangeulbiseok-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01830, Korea. E-mail: rheumatism@eulji.ac.kr

Received: March 26, 2015; Revised: April 16, 2015; Accepted: April 20, 2015

Abstract

Tocilizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against the interleukin-6 receptor, is therapeutically effective in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with placebo. However patients treated with tocilizumab are at increased risk of several adverse effects including anaphylaxis and serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. Therefore, the risks and benefits of treatment with tocilizumab should be considered carefully and close monitoring of patients for development of signs and symptoms of side effects is required during and after treatment. Here, we report on a rare case of anaphylaxis and severe sepsis caused by cellulitis in a patient with RA after tocilizumab treatment. (J Rheum Dis 2016;23:55-60)

Keywords: Tocilizumab, Anaphylaxis, Cellulitis, Sepsis

JRD
Jan 01, 2025 Vol.32 No.1, pp. 1~7
COVER PICTURE
Cumulative growth of rheumatology members and specialists (1980~2024). Cumulative distribution of the number of the (A) Korean College of Rheumatology members and (B) rheumatology specialists. (J Rheum Dis 2025;32:63-65)

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