1. Infections in the immunocompromised rheumatologic patient.
- Author
-
Greenberg SB
- Subjects
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones adverse effects, Arthritis, Rheumatoid complications, Arthritis, Rheumatoid drug therapy, Arthritis, Rheumatoid immunology, Humans, Immunosuppressive Agents adverse effects, Infections diagnosis, Infections therapy, Intensive Care Units, Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic drug therapy, Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic immunology, Rheumatic Diseases drug therapy, Rheumatic Diseases immunology, Immunocompromised Host, Infections etiology, Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic complications, Rheumatic Diseases complications
- Abstract
Immunocompromised patients with rheumatic diseases have an increased risk of infections. A major risk factor for infection seems to be the immunosuppressive therapy used. Newer therapies for RA may lead to increased rates of infection by opportunistic pathogens such as Mycobacteria tuberculosis. Because disease manifestation may mimic signs and symptoms of infection, prompt diagnosis may be difficult. Familiarity with the likely infections and their causes should aid in obtaining the appropriate culture specimens.
- Published
- 2002
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