New targeted treatments for autoimmune diseases and complications in acute medicine

Abstract

Biological disease-modifying drugs (bDMARDs), and targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs), have revolutionized the management of autoimmune rheumatic disease. However, these medications should be used with caution, taking into account individual patient co-morbidities and evaluating the possibility of risks associated with their use. Patients given these therapies require regular blood test monitoring, close follow-up and access to prompt rheumatology advice. Patients should be aware of the possible risks, especially infection. Clinicians must be vigilant when suspecting infections in these patients, as they do not always develop the typical clinical or biochemical picture of sepsis.