Safety of latent tuberculosis infection treatment in older patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases

Abstract

Introduction: Screening and treatment of latent tuberculosis infections (LTBI) are required before starting biologics in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). This study aimed to assess the safety of LTBI treatment in older patients with IMIDs.

Methods: The medical records of 916 patients treated for LTBI before the start of biologics for IMIDs between January 2004 and December 2018 were reviewed. The safety profiles of LTBI treatment were retrospectively compared according to age.

Results: Among the 916 patients, 201 were aged > 60 years (older age group). The older age group showed female predominance, more frequent history of previous tuberculosis, and more comorbidities, and received biologics mainly for rheumatoid arthritis. Most patients (74.0%) took isoniazid and rifampicin daily for 3 months. The treatment completion rate was 90.4% in the overall population and was lower in the older age group (91.9% vs. 85.1%, P = 0.005). Adverse drug events were more frequent in the older age group (22.9% vs. 9.8%, P < 0.001); however, differences were mainly observed for nausea (5.5% vs. 2.1%, P = 0.016) and flu-like syndrome (6.5% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.001), but not hepatotoxicity.

Conclusion: LTBI treatment is generally safe in older patients with IMIDs, especially with respect to hepatotoxicity. Key points • The older age group had significantly more nausea and flu-like syndrome but not hepatotoxicity, compared to the younger age group. • LTBI treatment was acceptable and generally safe in the older age group.