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Allergy & Immunology22 papers

Arthritis caused by passive antibody therapy

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Arthritis caused by passive antibody therapy refers to inflammatory joint conditions that may arise as an adverse effect following administration of monoclonal antibodies, potentially due to immune responses triggered by these therapeutic agents. 1

Diagnosis

  • Clinical presentation includes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness post-monoclonal antibody therapy.
  • Elevated inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) may be observed.
  • Imaging studies (X-ray, MRI) can reveal joint inflammation or damage.
  • Specific serological testing for autoantibodies may be considered but lacks definitive evidence in this context 1.
  • Management

  • Discontinue the implicated monoclonal antibody therapy.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for symptomatic relief.
  • Corticosteroids may be used for severe cases to reduce inflammation.
  • Immunosuppressive agents like methotrexate or rituximab might be considered in refractory cases, though specific dosing is not detailed in the provided abstracts 1.
  • Special Populations

  • Pregnancy: Limited data; close monitoring and individualized management are advised 1.
  • Pediatrics: Specific guidelines lacking; cautious approach with close observation recommended 1.
  • Elderly: Increased risk of complications; tailored treatment plans considering comorbidities are essential 1.
  • Comorbidities: Management should consider interactions with existing conditions; individualized therapy plans are crucial 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Discontinue the monoclonal antibody therapy upon suspicion of antibody-induced arthritis (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1
  • Initiate symptomatic treatment with NSAIDs for pain and inflammation (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1
  • Consider corticosteroids for severe cases of joint inflammation (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1
  • References

    1 Samra HS, He F. Advancements in high throughput biophysical technologies: applications for characterization and screening during early formulation development of monoclonal antibodies. Molecular pharmaceutics 2012. link

    Original source

    1. [1]

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