New onset systemic lupus erythematosus in a patient receiving etanercept for rheumatoid arthritis

The management of severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been revolutionised by the introduction of the biological agents infliximab (Remicade-a chimeric anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α antibody), and etanercept (Enbrel-a soluble TNFα receptor). CASE REPORT Treatment of a 51 year old woman with severe seropositive erosive RA with methotrexate, sulfasalazine, Myocrisin (sodium aurothiomalate), d -penicillamine, hydroxychloroquine, and leflunomide had previously failed and she continued to require repeated courses of systemic corticosteroids to control her disease.