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Severe adverse reactions to Infliximab therapy are common in young children with inflammatory bowel disease

K-L Kolho1, T Ruuska, E Savilahti

  • 1Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Helsinki, Box 281, FIN-00029 HYKS, Helsinki, Finland. kaija-leena.kolho@helsinki.fi

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|December 26, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Adverse reactions to Infliximab infusions are common in children with severe inflammatory bowel disease. Young children may be particularly susceptible to severe allergic reactions, even with concurrent therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children requires effective treatment options.
  • Infliximab is a biologic therapy used for IBD, but its safety profile in pediatric populations needs thorough evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the incidence and nature of adverse reactions in children with severe IBD receiving Infliximab infusions.
  • To identify potential risk factors for adverse reactions, particularly in younger children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 141 Infliximab infusions administered to 23 pediatric IBD patients.
  • Documentation and categorization of all severe adverse events, including acute reactions and infections.

Main Results:

  • Seven severe adverse reactions (26% of patients) were recorded.
  • Acute reactions (anaphylaxis, allergic reactions) occurred in 4 children, with 3/4 being under 10 years old.
  • Other severe events included abscess, septicaemia, and progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy.

Conclusions:

  • Adverse reactions to Infliximab infusions are frequent in pediatric IBD patients.
  • Younger children (<10 years) appear to have a higher risk of severe allergic reactions to Infliximab, even when on azathioprine and glucocorticoids.
Abstract

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