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?
(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.
Liver function tests
PPD skin test
Pulmonary function tests
Visual examination
Other topics and Adverse effects