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.