Infusion therapies in rheumatic practice

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.