[Infections and TNFalpha antagonist treatment].
The TNFalpha antagonists have become a standard treatment for many severe chronic inflammatory diseases. After a few years of practical use in individual patient's setting adverse effects, especially infectious have been recorded and a practical attitude can be proposed for prevention and follow-up. TNFalpha antagonists increase the risk of infection by intracellular pathogens. A latent tuberculosis infection must be looked for prior to the initiation of the treatment. A prophylaxis is started in case of positive result. The global infectious risk can also be minimized by an optimal vaccination coverage and a regular screening for leucopenia.
Dayer
Eric
E
CONSILIA Laboratoires et conseils médicaux SA, Av. Grand-Champsec 86, 1950 Sion. eric.dayer@consilia-sa.ch
Praz
Gérard
G
D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha