Infliximab in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease
Pere Vilar1, Javier Martín de Carpi, Claudia E Acuña
1Paediatric Gastroenterology Section, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
Insights
Infliximab is effective for pediatric Crohn
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Background:
- Infliximab is utilized for pediatric Crohn's disease, particularly luminal and fistulous types unresponsive to standard therapies.
- Its application is expanding in refractory pediatric ulcerative colitis.
- Evidence suggests comparable efficacy and safety in pediatric versus adult populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role and impact of infliximab in managing pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
- To explore the potential of early infliximab intervention to alter disease trajectory and reduce corticosteroid dependency.
- To assess infliximab's contribution to mucosal healing and normal development in pediatric IBD patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and clinical data on infliximab use in pediatric IBD.
- Analysis of efficacy and safety profiles in comparison to adult data.
- Exploration of infliximab's mechanism as a bridging therapy.
Main Results:
- Infliximab demonstrates similar efficacy and safety in children and adults with IBD.
- Early use may reduce steroid requirements and modify the natural history of pediatric IBD.
- Mucosal healing observed with infliximab may support normal growth and sexual maturation.
Conclusions:
- Infliximab is a valuable therapeutic option for pediatric Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Early infliximab treatment in pediatric IBD could improve outcomes, including reduced steroid use and enhanced development.
- Further research into early infliximab use is warranted to optimize pediatric IBD management.
Abstract:
Infliximab has been widely used in paediatric Crohn's disease, mainly in luminal and fistulous disease refractory to standard treatment and for extraintestinal manifestations. Moreover, there is growing experience with its use in refractory ulcerative colitis. Infliximab has shown similar efficacy and safety in children as in adult population. It is postulated that its early use in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease, as a bridging treatment until the onset of action of other immunomodulators, could reduce the use of steroids and change the natural history of the disease as well. The effect of infliximab on mucosal healing could also contribute to the normal growth and sexual maturation in these patients.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...

