Evaluating Results of an Interferon-γ Release Assay in Patients With Autoimmune Skin Disease on Hydroxychloroquine

    May 2018 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology ”
    Rebecca G. Gaffney, Victoria P. Werth
    Image of study
    TLDR Hydroxychloroquine may cause false results in tuberculosis tests for patients with autoimmune skin diseases.
    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.
    Discuss this study in the Community →