Infection prophylaxis in antirheumatic therapy: emphasis on vaccination.
OBJECTIVE
To assess data concerning vaccination among persons with rheumatic diseases, focusing on the effects of immune-modulating therapeutic agents on the responses.


RESULTS
Patients with rheumatic diseases receiving certain therapeutic agents may exhibit less robust responses to vaccination. However, data in various studies are conflicting. In general, even in studies demonstrating attenuation of vaccine response, increases in titers are observed and may be protective.


CONCLUSIONS
Vaccinations are an important strategy to prevent infections. Although antirheumatic therapies may affect responses, patients should still be considered candidates for all appropriate vaccinations.
Kavanaugh
Arthur
A
Center for Innovative Therapy, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0943, USA. akavanaugh@ucsd.edu
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D004347:Drug Interactions / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014612:Vaccines / Q000494:pharmacology*
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D014612:Vaccines