title: Infections in patients with rheumatic diseases treated with TNF antagonists.
abstract: TNF has a critical role in inflammation and immunity, and therapeutic inhibition of TNF with antagonist could potentially lead to immune suppression. Data gathered from clinical trials and clinical observation show a minor but significant increased risk of infections in patients suffering from rheumatic diseases treated with monoclonal TNF antibodies and soluble TNF receptors. This increase risk applies to patients but also to the underlying disease. Pathogens causing these infections include intracellular bacteria, and to some extend opportunistic microorganisms as mycobacteria and fungi. Preventive strategies and patient selection have an important impact on the risk of these infections.
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Service and Department of Medicine, Hospital Clinico Universitario, Medical School, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago, Spain.
authors.forename: Beatriz
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pérez-Zafrilla
authors.forename: Loreto
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Carmona
authors.forename: Juan J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Gómez-Reino
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D012213:Rheumatic Fever / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000079424:Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D000079424:Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors