Infusion therapies have been used in rheumatology practice for many years.
However, the recent approval of infliximab for rheumatoid arthritis and the
development of a host of i.v. treatments for inflammatory rheumatic and me
tabolic bone disorders will Likely have a significant impact on the use of
infusion therapies by rheumatologists.
Current i.v therapies for rheumatic disorders include pulse corticosteroids
, infliximab, cyclophosphamide, i.v. gammaglobulin, and pamidronate. This r
eview discusses specific indications, adverse events and general requiremen
ts for administration of each of these therapies. Appropriate screening gen
erally includes a CBC and evaluation of past allergies, renal and Liver fun
ction, and cardiac status. Supplies for treatment of possible anaphylaxis s
hould be available.