Conclusion
Although an association between immunosuppressive therapy and IA has been described in Crohn's disease without the use of infliximab,[42] additional reports of severe opportunistic infections associated with anti-TNF therapy alone or in combination with steroids and other immunosuppressive drugs continue to appear in the literature and through the adverse events reporting system. With increasing use of anti-TNF therapy, infection is common and physicians must be vigilant in diagnosing opportunistic mycoses. An understanding of the risk factors associated with IA, such as hospital construction, underlying lung disease or cirrhosis, and concomitant immunosuppression (particularly with corticosteroids) is warranted. In patients with bilateral pulmonary infiltrates being treated or who have recently received anti-TNF agents, Aspergillus should be included in the differential diagnosis and should be treated promptly to avoid disseminated disease.
© 2005 Medscape
Cite this: Disseminated Aspergillosis Following Infliximab Therapy in an Immunosuppressed Patient With Crohn's Disease and Chronic Hepatitis C: A Case Study and Review of the Literature - Medscape - Sep 21, 2005.
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