Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0024141 (systemic lupus erythematosus)
 44,322 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The purpose of this report is to provide suggested guidance concerning the monitoring of TNF blocker therapy. Since the completion of randomized trials, several new long-term safety concerns have arisen, involving mycobacterial and opportunistic infections, cytopenias, lymphoma, demyelinating disease, drug-induced lupus, congestive heart failure and hepatotoxicity. Since these serious events are rare, widespread post-marketing use and prolonged follow-up have been required to analyze their prevalence. Monitoring of TNF inhibitors is necessary to reassure physicians and patients of the continued efficacy and safety of these drugs. No published recommendations on monitoring are available. The clinician must weigh the potential clinical benefits of TNF inhibition against potential adverse effects. Patients should be evaluated carefully for the risk or presence of infection, tuberculosis and other serious adverse events by regular visits, careful clinical assessments, and an assiduous, high index of suspicion for these rare events. Tuberculin skin testing using PPD is recommended before starting treatment with any TNF inhibitor.
 ...
PMID:Laboratory monitoring of biologic therapies. 1627 91

Cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) represents only 1%-2% of extrapulmonary forms of tuberculosis (TB). CTB can present in the isolation or coexist with pulmonary and disseminated forms of TB. Pathologically confirmed lupus vulgaris (LV) coexisting with lichen scrofulosorum with disseminated TB is presented and discussed. A 12-year-old boy presented with 2 years history of slowly progressive facial plaque and multiple skin colored papules on the neck. Tuberculin skin test was positive with a reading of > 20 mm. Histopathology revealed ulcerated areas with impetiginisation and keratopurulent debris. The entire skin showed pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia with numerous granulomas in the superficial dermis consisting of Langhans-type multinucleated macrophages. Lesions responded to anti-tuberculosis therapy (ATT) with residual facial scar. LV and lichen scrofulosurum are two forms of CTB which rarely occurs together. This case is being presented to highlight the occurrence of this rare presentation and the need to institute ATT to prevent scarring.
 ...
PMID:Lupus Vulgaris and Lichen Scrofulosorum with Disseminated Tuberculosis. 3310 Apr 70