JAMA Network Open | 2019
Risk of Infections and Cancer in Patients With Rheumatologic Diseases Receiving Interleukin Inhibitors
Abstract
Key Points Question What is the risk of serious infections, opportunistic infections, and cancer in patients with rheumatologic diseases treated with interleukin inhibitors? Findings In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 74 randomized clinical trials comprising 29\u2009214 patients, pooled results suggest that risk of serious infections, opportunistic infections, and cancer is increased in patients with rheumatologic diseases who are treated with interleukin inhibitors compared with placebo. Meaning This analysis suggests estimates of risk for infections and cancer associated with the use of interleukin inhibitors that can inform shared decision-making when patients and clinicians are contemplating the use of interleukin inhibitors for rheumatologic diseases.