Latent tuberculosis assessment before biological agent use

In recent years, various biological agents such as Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (Anti-TNF-α) have been used effectively in different diseases. The major side effects of these drugs are their increased susceptibility to infections, especially tuberculosis. The aim of this study is to review the evaluations in terms of tuberculosis in patients using Anti-TNF-α.The datas of patients who used anti-TNF-α agent between January 2019 and January 2020 and consulted by our clinic were evaluated retrospectively. PA chest radiographs, tuberculin skin test (TDT) results and prophylaxis were noted from the patient files. The patients were followed up for 1 year. In follow-up, the diagnosis of tuberculosis was made on the basis of clinical-radiological and microbiological results.A total of 326 patients, of whom 147 were female and 179 were male, with a mean age of 47.7 ± 13.5 years, were included in the study. Initial evaluations of the patients were observed in 321 patients with TDT and in 5 patients with psoriasis with plasma Quantiferon test. In the one-year period, 2 patients (0.006%) with initial TDT values below 5 mm and who did not receive prophylaxis were diagnosed with active tuberculosis and treated. While the TDT values of 170 patients were found under 5 mm, 25 patients (14.7%) were prophylaxis. While the remaining 149 patients had TDT values over 5 mm, 2 patients (1.3%) did not receive prophylaxis. It was observed that prophylaxis was not applied to...
Source: European Respiratory Journal - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Tuberculosis Source Type: research