A guide to preparation of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases for anti-TNF-alpha therapy

Date
2014-03-26Author
Fonseca Chebli, Julio Maria
Gaburri, Pedro Duarte
Chebli, Liliana Andrade
Rocha Ribeiro, Tarsila Campanha da
Tavares Pinto, Andre Luiz
Ambrogini Junior, Orlando [UNIFESP]
Mourao Cintra Damiao, Aderson Omar
Type
ResenhaISSN
1643-3750Is part of
Medical Science MonitorDOI
10.12659/MSM.890331Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Current therapy of moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often involves the use of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) agents. Although very effective, theses biologics place the patient at increased risk for developing infections and lymphomas, the latter especially when in combination with thiopurines. Appropriate patient selection, counseling, and education are all important features for the successful use of anti-TNF-alpha therapy. A thorough history to rule-out contraindications of this therapy and emphasis on monitoring guidelines are important steps preceding administration of anti-TNF-alpha agents. This therapy should only be considered if a recent evaluation has established that the patient has active IBD. In addition, it is important to exclude disease mimickers. Anti-TNF-alpha agents have been considered to present a globally favorable benefit/risk ratio. However, it is important that in routine practice, initiation of anti-TNF-alpha therapy be carefully discussed with the patient, extensively explaining the potential benefits and risks of such treatment. Prior to starting anti-TNF-alpha therapy, the patients need to be screened for latent tuberculosis, hepatitis B virus infection, and (usually) hepatitis C virus and HIV infection. Vaccination schedules of IBD patients should be evaluated and updated prior to the commencement of anti-TNF-alpha therapy. Ordinarily, immunization in adult patients with IBD should not deviate from recommended guidelines for the general population. With the exception of live vaccines, immunizations can be safely administered in patients with IBD, even those on immunosuppressants or biologics. The purpose of this review is providing an overview of appropriate steps to prepare patients with IBD for anti-TNF-alpha therapy.
Citation
Medical Science Monitor. Smithtown: Int Scientific Literature, Inc, v. 20, p. 487-498, 2014.Sponsorship
Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG)
Collections
- EPM - Artigos [17701]