Mrs Reeta Wardhan, A 50-year-old female with rheumatoid ahritis is being considered for infliximab therapy. Which of the following tests should be performed before beginning treatment?
Liver function tests
PPD skin test
Pulmonary function tests
Visual examination
(Ref: Katzung 11/e p633) Infliximab is a monoclona antibody against TNF-a. It is commonly used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid ahritis paicularly in patients who have failed methotrexate therapy. TNF-a inhibitors can cause serious adverse effects, including reactivation of latent tuberculosis. All patents being considered for TNF-a inhibitor therapy should have a baseline PPD skin test to screen for latent tuberculosis.
Other topics and Adverse effects