TNF-Inhibitors Linked To Increased Fungal Infection Risk, Review Finds

Rheumatology Advisor (4/22, Goldberg) reports a systemic review found that “tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors are associated with an increased risk of fungal infections.” In an analysis of 65 articles comprising 697 patients, researchers “identified 517 invasive fungal infections, of which 306 were associated with infliximab, 56 with adalimumab, 61 with etanercept, and 84 were cases where the TNF-α inhibitor was not identified.” They also “identified 182 superficial infections, of which 49 were associated with infliximab use, 43 with adalimumab, 34 with etanercept, and 56 were cases with no specific inhibitor specified.” Researchers concluded, “The data presented in this study clearly demonstrate an association between the use of TNF-α inhibitors and an increased risk of fungal infections. It is imperative that health care professionals maintain a high level of vigilance when managing patients on these medications.” The review was published in Mycoses.