Increased TB Risk in Psoriasis Patients on Etanercept Despite Isoniazid Prophylaxis: Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate frequency and risk of tuberculosis in psoriasis patients using anti-TNF therapy over a 16-year period. This study is based on data from the Turkish Psoriasis Registry (PSR-TR) and digital records of the Medical School of the Bezmialem Vakif University. Patients with tuberculosis were recorded and the details of the treatment they received were explored.

Results: They detected 3 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and 1 patient with tuberculosis peritonitis in spite of isoniazid chemoprophylaxis. The common feature of these patients was a history of etanercept treatment. They concluded that psoriasis patients receiving TNF inhibitor therapy are at risk of tuberculosis infection despite isoniazid prophylaxis and contrary to the literature it looks like those patients treated with etanercept may be at greater risk for tuberculosis than patients treated with other TNF inhibitor agents.

Reference:

Mert, Ömer, et al. "Frequency of Tuberculosis in Psoriasis Patients Using anti-TNF Therapy During 16 Years of Follow-up." Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii, vol. 42, no. 3, 2025, pp. 276-282.