Abstract
Tumour necrosis factor antagonists (anti-TNFα) have become an invaluable treatment against chronic inflammatory diseases. Individuals treated with anti-TNFα have more than a fourfold increased risk of tuberculosis (TB) reactivation depending on the clinical setting and the TNF-antagonist used. All candidates for anti-TNFα treatment in Denmark should be evaluated for possible latent TB using history of exposure, chest X-ray and an interferon-γ release assay. Preventive chemotherapy is recommended for all individuals with latent TB infection before initiation of anti-TNFα as it is expected to reduce the risk of progression to active TB.
| Translated title of the contribution | Screening for tuberculosis infection prior to medical therapy |
|---|---|
| Original language | Danish |
| Journal | Ugeskrift for Laeger |
| Volume | 173 |
| Issue number | 12 |
| Pages (from-to) | 893-6 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| ISSN | 0041-5782 |
| Publication status | Published - 2011 |