PROPHYLACTIC USE OF ANTIBIOTICS AND VACCINES IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOLOGIC DISORDERS

In patients with serious underlying medical conditions, preventive int erventions are a prudent and cost-effective, but underused, strategy t hat could lessen morbidity and even mortality. In particular, immuniza tion status should be assessed in all patients with rheumatologic diso rders, especially those likely to receive immunosuppressive treatment. Tuberculin reactivity is optimally documented before initiation of st eroid therapy. It is often easier (and wiser) to prevent an infection than to treat it in a compromised host.