Consideration of the risk and treatment of tuberculosis in patients who have rheumatoid arthritis and receive biologic treatments.
Evidence supports the association of tuberculosis (TB) with tumor necrosis factor inhibitor therapy in patients who have rheumatoid arthritis. There seem to be differential risks of TB with the currently available inhibitors. Screening for latent TB infection with purified protein derivative is indicated for patients who are being considered for treatment; it seems to be effective in reducing the occurrence of TB in treated patients.
Bieber
Jeffry
J
Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037-0943, USA.
Kavanaugh
Arthur
A
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D001691:Biological Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D012306:Risk; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000276:immunology
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha