Objective. Tuberculosis (TB) is associated with anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy, but whether this association is drug-specific remains a concern. Our objective was to describe cases of TB associated with anti-TNF mAb therapy, identify risk factors, and estimate the incidence.Methods. We conducted an incidence study and a case-control analysis to investigate the risk of newly diagnosed TB associated with the use of anti-TNF agents. As part of the French Research Axed on Tolerance of Biotherapies (RATIO) registry, for 3 years we collected cases of TB among French patients receiving anti-TNF mAb therapy for any indication; for each case, 2 patients treated with anti-TNF agents served as control subjects.Results. We collected 69 cases of TB in patients treated for rheumatoid arthritis (n ‫؍‬ 40), spondylarthritides (n ‫؍‬ 18), inflammatory colitis (n ‫؍‬ 9), psoriasis (n ‫؍‬ 1) and Behçet's disease (n ‫؍‬ 1) with infliximab (n ‫؍‬ 36), adalimumab (n ‫؍‬ 28), and etanercept (n ‫؍‬ 5). None of the patients had received correct chemoprophylactic treatment. The sex-and ageadjusted incidence rate of TB was 116.7 per 100,000 patient-years. The standardized incidence ratio (

ObjectivesRheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are at an increased risk of developing comorbid conditions. A close monitoring of the disease targeting a status of low disease activity is associated with a better outcome. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the impact of a nurse-led programme on comorbidities and the impact of patient self-assessment of disease activity on the management of RA.MethodsWe enrolled 970 patients (mean age 58 years, 79% women) in a prospective, randomised, controlled, open-label, 6-month trial. In the comorbidity group (n=482), the nurse checked comorbidities and sent the programme results to the attending physicians. In the self-assessment group (n=488), the nurse taught the patient how to calculate his/her Disease Activity Score which had to be reported on a booklet to be shared with the treating rheumatologist. The number of measures taken for comorbidities and the percentage of patients recording a change (initiation, switch or increased dose) in disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in the 6 months follow-up period of the study defined the outcomes of the trial.ResultsThe number of measures taken per patient was statistically higher in the comorbidity group: 4.54±2.08 versus 2.65±1.57 (p<0.001); incidence rate ratio: 1.78 (1.61–1.96) and DMARD therapy was changed more frequently in the self-assessment group: 17.2% versus 10.9% (OR=1.70 (1.17; 2.49), p=0.006).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the short-term benefit of a nurse-led programme on RA comorbidity management and the impact of patient self-assessment of disease activity on RA treatment intensification.Trial registration numberNCT #01315652.

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RF is the main factor that can predict radiological progression in community cases of RA of limited duration.