title: Clinical use of anti-TNF therapy and increased risk of infections.
abstract: Biologics such as antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs have emerged as important agents in the treatment of many chronic inflammatory diseases, especially in cases refractory to conventional treatment modalities. However, opportunistic infections have become a major safety concern in patients on anti-TNF therapy, and physicians who utilize these agents must understand the increased risks of infection. A literature review of the published data on the risk of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections associated with anti-TNF therapy was performed and the clinical presentation, diagnostic tests, management, and prevention of opportunistic infections in patients receiving anti-TNF therapy were reviewed. Awareness of the therapeutic potential and associated adverse events is necessary for maximizing therapeutic benefits while minimizing adverse effects from anti-TNF treatments. Patients should be adequately vaccinated when possible and closely monitored for early signs of infection. When serious infections occur, withdrawal of anti-TNF therapy may be necessary until the infection has been identified and properly treated.
authors.affiliation: OU Physicians Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center ; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
authors.forename: Tauseef
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.forename: Sindhu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kaitha
authors.forename: Sultan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mahmood
authors.forename: Abdul
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ftesi
authors.forename: Jordan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stone
authors.forename: Michael S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Bronze
keywords: anti-TNF therapy; infections