Diagnosis of Latent Tuberculosis and Prevention of Reactivation in Rheumatic Patients Receiving Biologic Therapy: International Recommendations

Objective. To review the official international recommendations on the management of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in patients with rheumatic diseases undergoing biologic therapy. Methods. A systematic search of all clinical practice recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of LTBI in rheumatic patients eligible for starting biologic drugs published between January 2002 and March 2013. Results. For the diagnosis of LTBI, based on positivity of tuberculin skin test (TST), interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) is also available. Most recommendations advise using both TST and IGRA, especially in case of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccination, to screen patients before commencing biologic drugs. There is a general consensus that evaluation of the global risk of TB infection is a crucial point and that patients with LTBI must receive chemoprophylaxis prior to biologic therapy. However, recommendations on the need for rescreening for activation of LTBI or new TB infection while patients are being treated are inadequate. Nevertheless, the main concern is poor compliance with TB recommendations of rheumatologists in clinical practice, which seems to be the main cause of the occurrence of active TB in rheumatic patients receiving biologic therapy. Conclusion. Notwithstanding some differences, mainly related to regional TB incidence, international recommendations strongly suggest careful screening for LTBI before starting biologic therapy. However, the critical point is implementing dissemination and awareness of the recommendations among rheumatologists to improve adherence in real life.