Infectious Complications of Anti-Tumour Necrosis Factor-α Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis

In the last decade the use of Tumor Necrosis Factorα inhibitors including infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab; and lately certolizumab and golimumab, has revolutionized the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These agents have been effective in reducing inflammatory activity and limiting joint destruction in patients with RA however their application has raised a number a safety concerns. Increased risk of infections is of predominant importance given these factors’ major role in altering host defense mechanisms.