REVIEW - Infectious complications of biological therapy

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From Current Opinion in Rheumatology

Nigil Haroon; D. Inman

Published: 08/17/2009

Infectious Complications of Biological Therapy

Abstract

Purpose of review: Although the remarkable efficacy of biological

therapy has resulted in significant success in rheumatic disease

management, susceptibility to infections remains a concern. Here we

review the latest publications on infectious complications of

biological therapy in rheumatic diseases.

Recent findings: The recent data on anti-tumor necrosis factor agents

show encouraging results in relation to infections. The majority of

the infections are minor, and opportunistic infections including

tuberculosis are rare. The incidence of infections decreases with time

on biologic therapy. Vaccination is effective while on biological

agents, although live vaccines should be avoided. Biologic therapy in

the setting of HIV, HCV and HBV continues to be studied, but data are

accumulating in support of a favorable safety profile. There are

degrees of differential susceptibility to infection across the

rheumatic diseases, which should be taken into account in weighing the

infectious risks of biologics in the respective diseases.

Summary: Biological medications have a favorable safety profile but

continued vigilance is appropriate. Most infectious reported episodes

are minor and the risk of infection appears to decrease with duration

of treatment.

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Read the full article here:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/706111

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