Title |
Clinical use of anti-TNF therapy and increased risk of infections
|
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Published in |
Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety, March 2013
|
DOI | 10.2147/dhps.s28801 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Tauseef Ali, Sindhu Kaitha, Sultan Mahmood, Abdul Ftesi, Jordan Stone, Michael S Bronze |
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. |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
United States | 1 | <1% |
South Africa | 1 | <1% |
Unknown | 213 | 99% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Bachelor | 33 | 15% |
Student > Ph. D. Student | 27 | 13% |
Other | 26 | 12% |
Student > Master | 25 | 12% |
Researcher | 18 | 8% |
Other | 38 | 18% |
Unknown | 48 | 22% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Medicine and Dentistry | 67 | 31% |
Agricultural and Biological Sciences | 26 | 12% |
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | 16 | 7% |
Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | 12 | 6% |
Immunology and Microbiology | 9 | 4% |
Other | 26 | 12% |
Unknown | 59 | 27% |