JAK kinase inhibitors and varicella zoster virus infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Systematic review of the literature

Objectives JAK kinase inhibitors (JAKi) are a new therapeutic option in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, but they are not without risks, especially the incidence of herpes zoster (HZ). Material and methods Systematic literature review that evaluates the incidence of HZ published in the clinical trials of the different JAK is marketed or under study. Results The HZ rates ranged between 1.51 and 20.22. The results were expressed mainly as a percentage of events. The most recent studies better categorized the incidence of HZ and its severity. Conclusion JAK is are associated with an increased risk of HZ. Although the HZ rates of the selective JAK1 JAK is are lower, more studies are needed to confirm these results.