Fulminant Legionellosis in Two Patients Treated with Infliximab for Crohn's Disease: Case Series and Literature Review. (2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hofmann, Adam; Beaulieu, Yanick; Bernard, Francis; Rico, Philippe
• Is Part Of: Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology. Volume 23:Number 12(2009)
• Page Start: 829
• Page End: 833
• Publication Date: 2009
• Subjects: Crohn's disease -- Infliximab -- Legionella pneumophila -- Tumour necrosis factor-alpha
• DOI: 10.1155/2009/836938
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0835-7900

Abstract

Abstract : Two cases of fulminant pulmonary legionellosis, complicated by prolonged intensive care unit stays and acute respiratory distress syndrome, and who were recently treated with infliximab for Crohn's disease, are described. A review of the literature revealed three additional cases in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, and a total of 22 cases of Legionella pneumophila pneumonia in the context of treatment with antitumour necrosis (TNF)-alpha medications. The median age of the patients was 49 years, and men and women were affected equally. The case fatality rate was 14% (three of 22). Early recognition and treatment of this anti-TNF-alpha-related complication would likely result in reduced mortality and morbidity. Physicians prescribing anti-TNF-alpha drugs should be aware of this association.