title: Infections and Biological Therapy in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases.
abstract: Long-term extension studies and observational drug registers have revealed an increased risk of serious infections in patients treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor agents, particularly infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab. The same may be true for the newer biological drugs rituximab, tocilizumab and abatacept, although this has yet to be confirmed by long-term observational studies. We review the risk of tuberculosis, herpes zoster and other opportunistic infections, and the recommendations for screening for tuberculosis and hepatitis B and C infections in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, with the aim of informing patients and encouraging greater awareness among physicians.
authors.forename: Fabiola
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Atzeni
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Batticciotto
authors.forename: Ignazio F
authors.initials: IF
authors.lastname: Masala
authors.forename: Rossella
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Talotta
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Benucci
authors.forename: Piercarlo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sarzi-Puttini
mesh_terms: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D001691:Biological Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D000068582:Certolizumab Pegol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D000069285:Infliximab / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D000093242:Interleukin-6 Inhibitors
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D000068582:Certolizumab Pegol; D000069285:Infliximab; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000093242:Interleukin-6 Inhibitors