Effect of the TNF-α inhibitor adalimumab in patients with recalcitrant sarcoidosis: a prospective observational study using FDG-PET

Nils Milman, Niels Graudal, Annika Loft, Jann Mortensen, Janni Larsen, Bo Baslund

    47 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Background: Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) plays a crucial role in sarcoidosis. In severe disease, treatment with TNF-α inhibitors may be effective. Objectives: Changes in sarcoid disease activity were assessed by fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in patients with recalcitrant sarcoidosis treated with adalimumab. Methods: Prospective 24-week observational study. Patients continued medication with steroids and antimetabolites and received adalimumab 40mg subcutaneously every other week. Ten patients with biopsy-proven sarcoidosis (two men) were included with a median age of 47 years (range 35-73). An FDG-PET showing uptake indicating sarcoid activity was required at inclusion and repeated at the end of the study. FDG-PET uptake was assessed by calculated standardised uptake value (SUV). Blood samples and lung function tests were performed regularly. Quality of life was assessed by the short-form health survey (SF-36) questionnaire. Results: Following treatment with adalimumab, FDG-PET uptake decreased in nine patients (P=0.011) and increased in one patient. Maximum SUV fell from median 14.1 to 7.0 (P<0.03), and mean SUV fell from median 6.5 to 2.9 (P<0.02). Six patients had uptake in the lungs, which decreased after treatment (P=0.035). Six patients had uptake in the lymph nodes, which decreased after treatment in five patients (P=0.035). Four patients had non-lymphatic extrathoracic uptake, which decreased after treatment (P=0.05). There was no effect of adalimumab on pulmonary function tests, serum angiotensin I converting enzyme and blood lymphocyte (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+) concentrations. Physical component summary score (SF-36) increased during treatment, mental component summary score was unchanged. Conclusion: In sarcoidosis, treatment with adalimumab can reduce disease activity, as assessed by FDG-PET.

    Original languageEnglish
    JournalClinical Respiratory Journal
    Volume6
    Issue number4
    Pages (from-to)238-247
    Number of pages10
    ISSN1752-6981
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Oct 2012

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