Chan A T Y, Cleeve V, Daymond T J
Rheumatology Department, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, UK.
Postgrad Med J. 2002 Jan;78(915):47-8. doi: 10.1136/pmj.78.915.47.
A case of necrotising fasciitis in a patient receiving infliximab, an antitumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) agent for rheumatoid arthritis, is presented. A widespread confluent, erythematous, pustular skin rash was the presenting sign. There was no fever throughout this admission. beta-Haemolytic group A streptococcus was isolated from blood cultures and skin swabs. The adductor muscles and fascia around the site of a previous hip arthroplasty were necrotic on exploration. The case highlights the risk of severe sepsis in patients on anti-TNF-alpha treatment.