Association Between Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor Exposure and Inflammatory Central Nervous System Events
Study (n=212) found exposure to TNF inhibitors in patients with autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis,psoriasis,psoriatic arthritis,IBD) appeared to be linked to increased risk for inflammatory CNS events (60 vs. 40%;OR 3.01;95% CI, 1.55-5.82;p =0.001)
Source:
JAMA Neurology
SPS commentary:
An editorial noted that although this study adds to the literature by suggesting an association between increased risk of neuroinflammatory events and TNF inhibitor treatment, the magnitude of this risk remains unclear. It adds that RCTs are not suited to the study of rare adverse events, and next steps should include population-based observational studies that control for disease severity. Furthermore, greater awareness of risks as highlighted by this study can also encourage timelier recognition of potential TNF inhibitor–associated neuroinflammatory events and may improve outcomes for patients.