Joint position statement from the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board and the International Psoriasis Council on routine testing for latent tuberculosis infection prior to and during treatment of psoriasis patients with interleukin 17 or interleukin 23 inhibitors.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although testing for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection has been standard practice for psoriasis patients being treated with interleukin (IL) 17 or IL-23 inhibitors, evidence for this practice is weak.

OBJECTIVES: To review evidence on safety of IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors in the setting of latent TB infection and to provide a new Joint Position Statement on this topic.

METHODS: Experts from the National Psoriasis Foundation and the International Psoriasis Council reviewed evidence regarding progression of latent TB infection to active disease in psoriasis patients receiving IL-17 or IL-23 blockers. A Joint Position Statement was formulated and approved to provide updated guidance to clinicians.

RESULTS: 87.5% of the members from the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board and International Psoriasis Council approved a new Joint Position Statement regarding psoriasis patients being treated with IL-17 or IL-23 inhibitors, stating that testing for latent TB infection is not required.

LIMITATIONS: This position statement allows for exceptions where continued testing for late nt TB infection could be considered, including for patients on concomitant immunosuppressive therapy and for those living in TB endemic areas.

CONCLUSION: Psoriasis experts reached consensus that routine testing for latent TB infection is not required in psoriasis patients being treated with IL-17 or IL-23 inhibitors.