Latent tuberculosis infection during immunobiologic modulating agents use in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis

Abstract

Introduction: The class of immunobiologicals, composed of anti interleukin and anti TNF, are a therapeutic option for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Objective: To analyze data from patients with moderate to severe psoriasis using immunobiological drugs. Method: Cross-sectional observational study of patients using immunobiologicals followed up at a psoriasis outpatient clinic. All failed or had contraindications to the use of methotrexate, acitretin, phototherapy and/or cyclosporine. Results: Data from 68 patients were analyzed. Ustekinumab was the most used immunobiological and the average time of use was 51.3 months. Of the total, they performed one to three treatments with previous immunobiologicals. The most common cause of switching was loss of efficacy. Conclusion: It is necessary to pay attention to the opportunistic diseases that can affect patients using anti-TNF-α therapy, the main one being tuberculosis. There is a need to create guidelines and active surveillance in patients using these immunobiologicals.