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

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

• Psoriasis
• Tuberculosis
• Biologics
• Reactivation