A case report: Ulcerative colitis, treatment with an antibody against tumor necrosis factor (infliximab), and subsequent liver necrosis

In recent years, the use of antibodies against tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) has expanded in rheumatology, gastroenterology, and dermatology. In addition to the more common side effects such as infections and hypersensitivity reactions, elevations of liver enzymes have been reported during anti-TNFα therapy, although severe liver failure has been extremely uncommon. This report describes a patient with severe liver failure after induction therapy with the TNFα antibody infliximab (Remicade®). A 46-year old female patient received two infusions of infliximab at a dose of 400 mg on weeks 0 and 8 for steroid-dependent ulcerative colitis. Eight weeks after the second infusion, she suffered acute liver failure with necrosis, requiring liver transplantation.