626 Assessing the incidence of skin and soft tissue infection in patients on biologics

Background: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) often occur at a site of disruption in the epidermal layer, creating an entry point for infection. Biologic agents have been established in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn ’s disease. The immunomodulating effects of biologics have been thought to predispose patients to SSTIs. Several guidelines recommend discontinuing this agent for 4 half-lives before surgery; however, given the lack of understanding of the real risk of infection associated with the use of these ag ents, it is difficult to ascertain if these guidelines are necessary.
Source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Authors: Tags: Interventional Studies, Clinical and Patient Outcomes Research Source Type: research