High Rates of Tuberculin Skin Test Positivity due to Methotrexate Therapy: False Positive Results?

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is the most prevalent form of tuberculosis worldwide[1]. Screening for LTBI is recommended before the initiation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist therapy[2,3], which is associated with an increased risk of tuberculosis reactivation in LTBI[4 –7]. Treatment for LTBI greatly reduces the risk of developing active disease, but potential side effects can occur, including hepatotoxicity[8]. A substantial reduction in the rate of tuberculosis reactivation in patients receiving anti-TNF therapy has been observed after LTBI screening and preve ntion interventions were implemented[9].

Source: Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism - March 29, 2018 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Miguel Arias-Guill én, Marta M. Sánchez Menéndez, Mercedes Alperi, Sabino Riestra-Menéndez, María Teresa González Budiño, Marta María García-Clemente, Susana Martínez-González, Ana Isabel Enríquez, Rebeca Alonso-Arias, Juan José Palacios Guti Source Type: research