Use of TNF inhibitors in patients with psoriatic disease is not associated with increased risk of serious infections, according to the largest review of the literature to date.

Although the likelihood of overall infection was elevated in comparison with placebo, data from more than 15,000 adults with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis suggests it is a tolerable risk, researchers say.

The findings will likely reassure both clinicians and patients given previous studies have shown that infection is among the top five leading causes of death in psoriatic diseases.

In their meta-analysis of 48 randomised controlled trials, Taiwanese doctors separately investigated the risk of serious infection, upper respiratory infections and nasopharyngitis in individuals prescribed anti-TNF therapy.