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[Rheumatology. TNF alpha-inhibitors: infection risks? Practical recommendations]
1Service de rhumatologie, Département de l'appareil locomoteur, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne. melanie.faucherre@chuv.ch
Revue Medicale Suisse
|February 12, 2011
Summary
Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapies can increase infection risk in inflammatory diseases. However, observational studies suggest this risk is lower than initially thought, offering practical guidance for safe use.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapies are crucial for managing inflammatory rheumatologic conditions like rheumatoid polyarthritis and spondylarthropathy.
- Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have indicated a potential increased risk of infectious diseases associated with anti-TNF therapy.
- Observational studies provide a more nuanced perspective on the safety profile of these immunomodulatory treatments.
Purpose:
- To review the evidence regarding the risk of infectious diseases in patients undergoing anti-TNF therapy.
- To synthesize findings from randomized and observational studies on anti-TNF associated infections.
- To provide practical recommendations for the safe and effective use of anti-TNF agents in rheumatologic practice.
Summary:
- While randomized studies suggest an increased risk of infections with anti-TNF therapy, observational data offer a more reassuring outlook.
- This review examines the existing literature to clarify the actual infectious risk associated with anti-tumor necrosis factor treatments.
- Practical guidelines are proposed to aid clinicians in managing patients on anti-TNF therapy, balancing efficacy with safety.
Impact:
- Informing clinical decision-making regarding the initiation and continuation of anti-TNF therapy.
- Enhancing patient safety by providing evidence-based recommendations for infection risk management.
- Optimizing the use of immunomodulatory treatments for rheumatologic inflammatory diseases.
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