Health & Medical Rheumatoid Arthritis

Infection Risk and Biologics: Current Update

Infection Risk and Biologics: Current Update

Abstract and Introduction

Abstract


Purpose of review The management of inflammatory arthritis has been revolutionized by the use of biologic therapy. However, an important safety issue has been identified with regard to the risk of serious and opportunistic infections with biologic therapy. This review aims to summarize the most recent data available in the field.

Recent findings The risk of infection in inflammatory arthritis is partly determined by the nature of the underlying disease, comorbidities and other immunosuppressive treatments, in particular glucocorticoids. Data are conflicting with regard to the absolute risk of infection with biologic agents, as a result of differing study methodologies, classification of outcomes and patient populations. There appear to be some differences in risk of infection between biologic agents, which relate to their varying modes of action.

Summary Long-term observational data about the risk of infection and biologic therapy continue to emerge, although there are inherent limitations with this type of data. The process of determining the risk of infection for an individual patient should incorporate a range of factors, which may contribute to the infection risk.

Introduction


The treatment of rheumatic diseases has been revolutionized by the introduction of biologic drugs. An expanding list of biologic drugs is now in use in clinical practice. These agents, which are immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory, have been reported to have an association with serious or opportunistic infection, in particular tuberculosis (TB). However, the interpretation of this association is confounded by the use of other immunosuppressive drugs as well as the risk of infection related to the underlying disease. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current understanding of infection risk in relation to biologic therapy in inflammatory arthritis.

Related posts "Health & Medical : Rheumatoid Arthritis"

Home Remedies For Arthritis Relief

Arthritis

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis And Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis

Artificial Joints May Soon Run Smoother

Arthritis

Discover How to Relieve Arthritis Pain With Aromatherapy

Arthritis

How Eliminating Certain Foods Helps Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis

Cure For Gout Pain - How to Cure the Cause of Gout and Treat the Pain

Arthritis

5 Things Not to Do if You Have Arthritis

Arthritis

Endocrine to Rheumatism: Do Gut Hormones Play Roles in RA?

Arthritis

Leave a Comment