Herpes zoster and tofacitinib therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk for herpes zoster (HZ) (i.e., shingles). The aim of this study was to determine whether treatment with tofacitinib increases the risk of HZ in patients with RA.

Methods

HZ cases were identified as those reported by trial investigators from the databases of the phase II, phase III, and long-term extension (LTE) clinical trials in the Tofacitinib RA Development Program. Crude incidence rates (IRs) of HZ per 100 patient-years (with 95% confidence intervals [95% CIs]) were calculated by exposure group. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate potential risk factors for HZ (e.g., age, prednisone use).

Results

Among 4,789 participants, 239 were identified as having tofacitinib-associated

SUBMITTER: Winthrop KL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4285807 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature