title: Recommendations for the use of biologic (TNF-alpha blocking) agents in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Italy.
abstract: The present report is devoted to drawing up and disseminating specific recommendations for the use of anti-TNF-alpha therapies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Italy. The document reports and discusses the published literature concerning the criteria for inclusion, assessment of response and for withdrawal of treatment with TNF blocking agents in RA. Several specific points concerning more sensitive warnings are discussed: tuberculosis, hepatitis, lymphoma, and cardiovascular risk and induction of autoimmunity. The recommendations are summarized in an 8-point table approved by the executive committee of the Italian Society for Rheumatology.
authors.affiliation: Italian Society for Rheumatology. Cattedra di Reumatologia, Università di Roma La Sapienza, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Valesini
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Montecucco
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cutolo
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000075202:Contraindications; D006287:Health Planning Guidelines; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D012219:Rheumatology / Q000379:methods*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha