Implementation of risk minimization measures to reduce the risk of tuberculosis among tumor necrosis factor medication users

Abstract

AbstractPurposeTo examine the adherence to risk minimization measures (RMMs) in newly treated patients with anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (anti‐TNF‐α) medications at one of the largest tertiary care hospitals in Saudi Arabia.MethodsWe included patients who had at least one prescription of infliximab or adalimumab. The index date was the first recorded date of infliximab or adalimumab prescription. New users of anti‐TNF‐α were divided into pre‐ and post‐RMM implementation groups. The outcome of interest was the proportion of patients that received tuberculosis (TB) screening, including a chest X‐ray (CXR) or a QuantiFERON test within 1 month prior to the index date.ResultsA pre‐post RMM implementation comparison of TB screening among infliximab users showed a significant increase in the rates of CXR tests (from 7.5% before RMM implementation to 13.8% after RMM implementation, p < 0.001) and the rates of QuantiFERON tests (4.5% before RMM implementation to 24.1% after RMM implementation, p < 0.001). RMMs were introduced to the study site at the same time as adalimumab was approved and the proportion of patients receiving TB screening was 25.2%.ConclusionTB screening prior to initiation of infliximab or adalimumab was not optimal. However, we noted an improvement in TB screening after the implementation of RMMs for infliximab. Future research may address reasons for low adherence to testing requirements for TB prior to initiation of anti‐TNF‐α medications.