Journal of Pulmonology and Clinical Research

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +1 (202) 780-3397

Perspective - Journal of Pulmonology and Clinical Research (2023) Volume 6, Issue 3

Assessment of patients on anti−TNF−α therapy and immunosuppressive therapy

Chaar Laura*

Department of Pulmonary, The University of Chicago, Chicago, United States of America

*Corresponding Author:
Chaar Laura
Department of Pulmonary,
University of Chicago,
United States of America
E-mail:laura.chaar@uchicagomedicine.org

Received:01-May-2023, Manuscript No. AAJPCR-23-98196; Editor assigned: 04-May-2023, PreQC No. AAJPCR-23-98196(PQ); Reviewed:18-May-2023, QC No. AAJPCR-23-98196; Revised:22-May-2023, Manuscript No. AAJPCR-23-98196(R); Published:29-May-2023, DOI:10.35841/aajpcr-6.3.149

Citation: Laura C. Assessment of patients on anti-TNF-α therapy and immunosuppressive therapy. J Pulmonol Clin Res. 2023;6(3):149

Visit for more related articles at Journal of Pulmonology and Clinical Research

Abstract

  

Introduction

Anti-TNF-α therapy and immunosuppressive therapy are commonly used treatments for a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. These treatments have revolutionized the management of these chronic conditions and have significantly improved patients' quality of life. However, these therapies are not without risks, and patients on these treatments require close monitoring and assessment [1].

Assessment of patients on anti-TNF-α therapy

Anti-TNF-α therapy is a type of immunosuppressive therapy that targets the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) molecule, a key mediator of inflammation in autoimmune diseases. This therapy is administered through intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection and is typically used for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

The assessment of patients on anti-TNF-α therapy should include a thorough medical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of infection, including fever, cough, sore throat, and diarrhea. In addition, patients should be screened for tuberculosis (TB) before starting anti-TNF-α therapy due to the increased risk of reactivation of latent TB infection. Patients on anti-TNF-α therapy should also undergo regular laboratory testing to monitor their blood counts, liver function, and kidney function. These tests are important to assess for potential side effects of the therapy, such as leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, transaminitis, and nephrotoxicity. Another important consideration in patients on anti-TNF-α therapy is the risk of malignancy, particularly lymphoma. Patients should be advised to report any new or persistent lymphadenopathy, fevers, weight loss, or night sweats, which may suggest a possible malignancy [2].

Assessment of patients on immunosuppressive therapy

Immunosuppressive therapy is a broad term that includes a variety of medications that suppress the immune system. These therapies are used to treat a range of conditions, including autoimmune diseases, organ transplant rejection, and certain cancers. The assessment of patients on immunosuppressive therapy should include a thorough medical history and physical examination, as well as laboratory testing. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of infection, including fever, cough, sore throat, and diarrhea [3].

In addition, patients should be screened for latent TB infection before starting immunosuppressive therapy. Patients on immunosuppressive therapy should also undergo regular laboratory testing to monitor their blood counts, liver function, and kidney function. These tests are important to assess for potential side effects of the therapy, such as leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, transaminitis, and nephrotoxicity [4].

Another important consideration in patients on immunosuppressive therapy is the risk of malignancy, particularly skin cancer. Patients should be advised to report any new or changing skin lesions, as well as any other symptoms that may suggest a possible malignancy. In addition to infection and malignancy, patients on immunosuppressive therapy are also at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and other metabolic disorders. Therefore, regular screening for these conditions is important to ensure early detection and management [5].

Conclusion

The assessment of patients on anti-TNF-α therapy and immunosuppressive therapy is crucial to ensure the safety and efficacy of these treatments. Patients on these therapies should undergo regular medical assessments, laboratory testing, and screening for potential side effects, such as infection, malignancy, and metabolic disorders. By closely monitoring these patients, healthcare providers can detect and manage any potential complications, and provide optimal care for patients with chronic autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Additionally, patient education is an important component of the assessment process, as patients need to be aware of the potential risks associated with these therapies and should be advised to report any concerning symptoms to their healthcare providers. It is important to note that the assessment of patients on anti-TNF-α therapy and immunosuppressive therapy should be individualized based on the patient's medical history, co-morbidities, and other factors. For example, patients with a history of heart disease may require more frequent monitoring for cardiovascular risk factors, while patients with a history of cancer may require more frequent screening for malignancy.

References

  1. Baker MA, Harries AD, Jeon CY, et al.The impact of diabetes on tuberculosis treatment outcomes: A systematic review.BMC Med. 2011;9(1):1-5.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  2. Singh N, Paterson DL.Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in solid-organ transplant recipients: Impact and implications for management .Clin Infect Dis. 1998;27(5):1266-77.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  3. Pasipanodya JG, Gumbo T.A meta-analysis of self-administered vs directly observed therapy effect on microbiologic failure, relapse, and acquired drug resistance in tuberculosis patients.Clin Infect Dis. 2013;57(1):21-31.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. Chang KC, Leung CC, Yew WW, et al.A nested case–control study on treatment-related risk factors for early relapse of tuberculosis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2004;170(10):1124-30.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  5. Verver S, Warren RM, Beyers N, et al.Rate of reinfection tuberculosis after successful treatment is higher than rate of new tuberculosis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2005;171(12):1430-5.

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Get the App