TY - JOUR
T1 - Incidence and nature of infectious disease in patients treated with anti-TNF agents
AU - Raychaudhuri, Siba P
AU - Nguyen, Caroline T.
AU - Raychaudhuri, Smriti K.
AU - Gershwin, M. Eric
PY - 2009/12
Y1 - 2009/12
N2 - Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) inhibitors offer a targeted therapeutic strategy that contrasts with the nonspecific immunosuppressive agents traditionally used to treat most inflammatory diseases. These biologic agents have had a significant impact in ameliorating the signs and symptoms of inflammatory rheumatoid disease and improving patient function. From the onset of clinical trials, a central concern of cytokine blockade has been a potential increase in susceptibility to infections. Not surprisingly, a variety of infections have been reported in association with the use of TNF-α inhibitor agents. In particular, there is evidence suggesting an increased rate of granulomatous infections in patients treated with monoclonal TNF-α inhibitors. This review provides the incidence and nature of infections in patients treated with TNF-α inhibitor agents and reminds the clinician of the required vigilance in monitoring patients.
AB - Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) inhibitors offer a targeted therapeutic strategy that contrasts with the nonspecific immunosuppressive agents traditionally used to treat most inflammatory diseases. These biologic agents have had a significant impact in ameliorating the signs and symptoms of inflammatory rheumatoid disease and improving patient function. From the onset of clinical trials, a central concern of cytokine blockade has been a potential increase in susceptibility to infections. Not surprisingly, a variety of infections have been reported in association with the use of TNF-α inhibitor agents. In particular, there is evidence suggesting an increased rate of granulomatous infections in patients treated with monoclonal TNF-α inhibitors. This review provides the incidence and nature of infections in patients treated with TNF-α inhibitor agents and reminds the clinician of the required vigilance in monitoring patients.
KW - Opportunistic infection
KW - Rheumatic diseases
KW - TNF
KW - TNF-α inhibitors
KW - Tuberculosis
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UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=70350566088&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.autrev.2009.08.006
DO - 10.1016/j.autrev.2009.08.006
M3 - Article
C2 - 19716440
AN - SCOPUS:70350566088
VL - 9
SP - 67
EP - 81
JO - Autoimmunity Reviews
JF - Autoimmunity Reviews
SN - 1568-9972
IS - 2
ER -