Screening and vaccinations in patients requiring systemic immunosuppression: an update for dermatologists

Am J Clin Dermatol. 2015 Jun;16(3):179-95. doi: 10.1007/s40257-015-0124-x.

Abstract

Immunomodulatory agents are becoming an increasingly important tool in the dermatologist's armamentarium against autoimmune and auto-inflammatory conditions. This review addresses the guidelines for vaccination and screening studies prior to the initiation of immunomodulatory agents. Included are discussions of vaccination schedules, hepatitis vaccination and screening, tuberculosis screening, and specific screening recommendations for antimalarials, azathioprine, cyclosporine, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors, and newer medications like apremilast and tofacitinib.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Protocols
  • Hepatitis B / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis B / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Latent Tuberculosis / diagnosis
  • Latent Tuberculosis / therapy
  • Mass Screening
  • Skin Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Vaccination*
  • Vaccines / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Vaccines