Opportunistic Infection in IBD

Immunosuppressive drugs, although useful in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, are associated with increased risk for opportunistic infection.

Immunosuppressive drugs, including mercaptopurines, tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, and corticosteroids, are effective in ameliorating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). But might use of such medications predispose IBD patients to opportunistic infections (OIs), thus increasing morbidity?

In a study involving IBD patients treated at Mayo Clinic between 1998 and 2003 (100 consecutive IBD patients with OIs and 200 matched controls with no history of OIs), researchers examined the role of putative risk factors for acquisition of OIs. The patients’ OIs ranged from minimal mucosal viral disease to life-threatening fungal infection.

Age at IBD diagnosis as a continuous variable was a significant risk factor for OI development (odds ratio per 5 yea…

Reviewing Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter