Recommendations for the use of biologic (TNF-α blocking) agents in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Italy

CER2830
2006 Vol.24, N°4
PI 0413, PF 0423
Full Papers

Free to view
(click on article PDF icon to read the article)

PMID: 16956432 [PubMed]

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The present report is devoted to drawing up and disseminating specific recommendations for the use of anti-TNF-α therapies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Italy. The document reports and discusses the published literature concerning the criteria for inclusion, assessment of response and for withdrawal of treatment with TNF blocking agents in RA. Several specific points concerning more sensitive warnings are discussed: tuberculosis, hepatitis, lymphoma, and cardiovascular risk and induction of autoimmunity. The recommendations are summarized in an 8-point table approved by the executive committee of the Italian Society for Rheumatology.