Biological and novel therapies for inflammatory bowel disease in children

During the past decade, a tremendous wealth of information regarding the pathogenesis, genetics, and therapy of IBD has been discovered. Judging by the number of new publications published every month in scientific journals and the great enthusiasm at scientific meetings, this outstanding pace surely will continue. In the near future, clinicians may be able to classify IBD into several subtypes depending on patients' cytokine and gene profiles. For example, two groups of researchers recently have identified mutation in the NOD2 gene, which is associated with susceptibility to CD. This identification may allow the clinician to better predict outcome and response to medical therapy. At the same time, several promising new therapies are being investigated. Technologic advances will continue to result in the development of potent and specific agents that will control and possibly correct the abnormal inflammatory processes responsible for pediatric IBD.