Recommendations for the prevention and management of tuberculosis in patients taking infliximab.

An unusually large number of cases of tuberculosis, often with miliary or widespread dissemination, has been reported in patients taking infliximab for rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease. Recommendations have been issued in France regarding the definition of high-risk patients, the screening methods to be used in these patients, and possible prophylactic treatments. The present update is also intended to help physicians manage tuberculosis occurring before or during infliximab therapy.