Abstract
Aim: It is a known fact that risk of tubercolosis infection is increased with tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α) blocker treatment. In this study we evaluated the last 6 years follow up data of the patients who admitted to our clinic for tuberculosis scanning before and during TNF-α blocker treatment.
Method: Total of 2335 patients' follow up datas were evaluated between February 2005 and February 2011.Statistical analysis were done by using SPSS 15.0 statistical program.
Results: There were 1186 (51%) male, 1149 (49%) female of total number of 2335 patients. Mean age was 40.32±14.67 years. Patients with the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis 785 (33.6%), ankylosing spondylitis 912 (39.1%), psoriatic arthritis 193 (8.3%), Behçet disease 85 (3.6%), Chron disease 65 (2.8%), juvenil rheumatoid artritis 142 (6.1%). 781 (33.9%) of the subjects had smoking history of an average 15.07±13.57 pack-year. 792 (33.9%) patients treated with Etanercept, 725 (31.0%) Infliximab, 567 (24.3%) Adalimumab. 66 (2.8%) patients had treatment for tuberculosis in the past, 112 (4.8%) patients had diabetes mellitus. Acording to RAED II (The Society for Research and Education in Rheumatology) Guideline; PPD was ≥5 mm in 1340 (57%), 101 (4.3%)had radiological fibrous lesion, 12 (0.5%) had contact history with tuberculosis. 1308 (56.0%) patients were given preventive treatment with Izoniazid. In these 6 years fallow up, 4 (171/100.000) patients had tuberculosis infection; 2 were miliary tuberculosis (one of them was multidrug resistant), 1 was gastrointestinal tuberculosis and the last one was relaps patient with a history of tuberculosis.
Conclusion: This results supported that close follow up of patients who used TNF-α blocker was so important.
- © 2011 ERS
