Screening Optimization of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

摘要: Objective. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are at increased risk of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) but there no clear guidelines for LTBI screening with Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) or Quantiferon TB Gold testing (QFT-G). Methods. A retrospective study was conducted in a high risk, largely foreign-born, inner city, RA population. After 280 patients, 134 who had both TST and QFT-G performed during their initial evaluation were included. Results. Out 132 included our analysis, 50 (37.8%) diagnosed either positive 42 (31.8%) 23 (17.4%). 15 (11.4%) 82 (62.1%) negative tests. The agreement between 73.5% (Kappa 0.305, CI = 95% 0.147-0.463, p 0.081).  Conclusions. There low-moderate (κ 0.305) QFT-G. In the absence clearly defined gold standard limitations associated tests, we propose early tests need prompt treatment BRMs. Patients not immediate candidates BRM may be safely cost effectively screened two-step process: if negative, IGRA testing. test should promptly treated.