Key clinical point: Perioperative use of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) seemed safe in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing orthopedic procedures; however, the benefits of withholding JAKi to prevent postoperative complications should be balanced against the risk for a flare-up in disease activity.
Major finding: Overall, 20 patients undergoing 31 orthopedic procedures continued JAKi perioperatively, whereas 16 patients undergoing 18 procedures discontinued JAKi perioperatively by ≥1 dose for various reasons. No surgical site infections were reported during ≥90 days of follow-up. Disease flare-up was observed in 2 patients who discontinued JAKi for 3 and 14 days, respectively; however, those who discontinued JAKi for ≤1 day showed no flare-up.
Study details: This retrospective study included 32 patients with RA who had disease under control with JAKi and underwent a total of 49 orthopedic procedures.
Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding, grants, or other support. K Nishida declared receiving research grants or speaker fees from various sources.
Source: Nishida K et al. Influence of Janus kinase inhibitors on early postoperative complications in patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing orthopaedic surgeries. Mod Rheumatol. 2023 (Jun 3). doi: 10.1093/mr/road047