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  • 1.  Biologic Medications

    Posted 01-16-2023 20:16

    Hello,

    I have a question has anyone had experiences about the use of biological drugs for psoriatic arthritis. The rheumatologist is uncomfortable with prescribing biologics medication in a person living with hiv. They state the rheumatology guidelines have not been updated relative viral suppression and CD4 counts. The individual has been  virally with a CD4 400+, this has been the patients case for 10+ years. The patient is currently on methotrexate but this is not controlling the symptoms. 


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    Erik Wert, DO, MPH, FACOI, AAHIVS
    3955 Patient Care drive
    Lansing MI 48837
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  • 2.  RE: Biologic Medications

    Posted 01-17-2023 16:52
    I have several patients living with HIV who are on biologics for psoriatic arthritis, RA, Crohn's, etc. The specialists request that I monitor CD4s, which I do (unlike other pts where I stop CD4 monitoring at a certain point). I have not seen CD4 suppression with these biologics. On the other hand some of the treatments for MS drop CD4 to 0 but I believe this is artifactual as for some reason these patients seem to do fine.


    Peter Shalit, MD, PhD, FACP, AAHIVS 
    Cabrini Tower, 901 Boren Ave Suite 850, Seattle, WA 98104 
    P 206-624-0688 F 206-624-2432  





  • 3.  RE: Biologic Medications

    Posted 01-18-2023 19:45
    Hi Dr. Shalit,

    Thank you for sharing the information on biologics. That is great information on CD4 suppression.

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    Henry Bryant
    Pembroke Pines FL
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