Evaluation of tuberculosis in children using biological agent therapy

Purpose: Anti-TNF drugs increase the risk of tuberculosis. In this study we aimed to investigate incidence tuberculosis in patients using anti-TNF drugs.Methods: One hundred and fifteen pediatric cases which were received included study. The clinical epidemiological characteristics analyzed retrospectively.Results: diagnoses as follows; Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis 76 (66%), Ulcerative Colitis 11 (9.6%), Crohn's 7 (6%), Ankylosing Spondylitis 6 (5.2%), FMF 5 (4.3%), Psoriasis 4 (%3.5). distribution agents used by was; etanercept 74 (64.3%), infliximab 17 (14.8%), adalimumab anakinra canakinumab 2 (%1.7). It was learned that all had BCG vaccinations when they two months old, confirmed vaccination cards ministry health's follow-up system. TST performed response measured <5mm 89 (77.4%), 5-9 mm (8.7%), 10-14 8 (7.4%), >15 (5.6%) cases. Isoniazid (INH) prophylaxis started for nine with diagnosis latent Active not detected any cases.Conclusion: All receiving need be evaluated Although it is at beginning treatment, regular screening should continued during treatment contact history, symptoms, physical examination, chest X-ray, TST/IGRA light current guidelines.