Reactivation of Tuberculosis in Three Cases of Psoriasis after Initiation of Anti-TNF Therapy

Case Rep Dermatol. 2012 Jan;4(1):41-6. doi: 10.1159/000337145. Epub 2012 Feb 25.

Abstract

New biological therapies for disabling diseases such as psoriasis may carry both short- and long-term risks. Tuberculosis (TB) reactivation is a frequent complication of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy. We present 3 cases of psoriasis that were treated with different types of anti-TNF and developed TB infection (TBI) during therapy. One of the cases was diagnosed as active pulmonary TB and the other 2 cases as latent TBI. All cases received appropriate anti-TB treatment, and the anti-TNF therapy was interrupted and then resumed according to various clinical considerations.

Keywords: Biologics; Psoriasis; Reactivation; Tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports