Evaluating Results of an Interferon-γ Release Assay in Patients With Autoimmune Skin Disease on Hydroxychloroquine
April 2018
in “
Journal of Investigative Dermatology
”
Studysummary This study found that patients taking hydroxychloroquine had a significantly higher likelihood of indeterminate QuantiFERON-TB Gold test results compared to those not on the medication, independent of other immunosuppressive drug use.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The study analyzed the effect of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) on the QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-G) test outcomes in 119 patients with autoimmune skin diseases. It was found that patients on HCQ had a significantly higher rate of indeterminate QFT-G results (58.6%) compared to those not on HCQ (10.6%), with a p-value of <0.001. This discrepancy was not due to the use of prednisone or other DMARDs. The study concluded that HCQ may interfere with QFT-G testing, suggesting the need for alternative TB screening methods for patients on this medication.
