Febrile pleuropericarditis, a potentially life-threatening adverse event of balsalazide – case report and literature review of the side effects of 5-aminosalicylates. (May 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Coman, Roxana M; Glover, Sarah C; Gjymishka, Altin
• Is Part Of: Expert review of clinical immunology. Volume 10:Number 5(2014)
• Page Start: 667
• Page End: 675
• Publication Date: 2014-05
• Subjects: Clinical immunology -- Periodicals; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1586/1744666X.2014.902313
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-666X

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an idiopathic chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the colonic mucosa. One class among the drugs used for its treatment is the 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASAs). While highly efficacious in treating mild-to-moderate UC, 5-ASAs are associated with rare but potentially life-threatening side effects such as pericarditis, myocarditis and pneumonitis. These adverse events appear to be caused by a hypersensitivity reaction and resolve after cessation of 5-ASA drugs. This article presents a case report of febrile pleuropericarditis in a UC patient treated with balsalazide, and provides a thorough literature review of the rare side effects of 5-ASAs, their incidence, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis and treatment. In conclusion, the clinicians should be aware that this type of adverse events to 5-ASA compounds can be easily overlooked but it has significant morbidity if not promptly diagnosed.</p> </abstract>