Overview
Infective arthritis of the hand is an infection within a joint of the hand. It can lead to significant joint damage if not promptly diagnosed and treated.Diagnosis
Screening for tuberculosis infection (TBI) is recommended for individuals with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) starting or about to start immunosuppressive treatment 1.
Recommended screening tests for TBI include tuberculin skin testing (TST) or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), chest imaging, and investigation of contact with active pulmonary or laryngeal TBD 1.Management
Preventive treatment for tuberculosis (TPT) is mandatory for individuals with any positive TBI screening result after excluding active tuberculosis disease (TBD) 1.
Exceptions to mandatory TPT include individuals with a history of TBD or a past positive TBI infection test 1.Key Recommendations
All persons with IMID starting or about to start immunosuppressive treatment should undergo TBI screening, including TST or IGRAs, chest imaging, and contact investigation 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
Preventive treatment for tuberculosis (TPT) is mandatory for individuals with any positive TBI screening result after excluding active tuberculosis disease 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
Individuals with a history of TBD or a past positive TBI infection test are exceptions to mandatory TPT 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)References
1 de Souza VA, Caparroz ALMA, Trevisani VFM, Gomes Tavares ACFM, de Melo AKG, Trajman A et al.. Brazilian recommendations for the management of tuberculosis infection in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Advances in rheumatology (London, England) 2025. link