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[Special features of biological drug therapy in children]

Kristiina Aalto, Sanna Leinonen, Kaija-Leena Kolho

    Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja
    |March 29, 2016
    PubMed

    Insights

    New biological drugs, including TNFα blockers, are increasingly used for pediatric inflammatory diseases. Treatment tailoring with drug level monitoring is possible, and severe safety risks are rare in children.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric rheumatology and immunology
    • Pharmacology of biologic agents
    • Inflammatory disease management

    Context:

    • Biologic therapies, particularly tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) blockers, are now standard treatments for pediatric inflammatory conditions.
    • Conditions treated include juvenile idiopathic arthritis, chronic iritis, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
    • Off-label use of other cytokine inhibitors (e.g., IL-1, IL-6 blockers) is employed in specific pediatric cases.

    Purpose:

    • To review the current landscape of biologic drug use in pediatric inflammatory diseases.
    • To highlight advancements in personalized treatment strategies.
    • To assess the safety profile of these therapies in pediatric populations.

    Summary:

    • Extensive use of TNFα blockers is noted for juvenile arthritis, chronic iritis, and inflammatory bowel diseases in children.
    • Cytokine inhibitors targeting IL-1 and IL-6 are used off-label in select pediatric patients.
    • Treatment individualization is facilitated by monitoring drug levels and anti-drug antibodies.
    • Severe adverse events linked to biologic therapy in children are infrequent.

    Impact:

    • Biologic therapies offer effective treatment options for severe pediatric inflammatory diseases.
    • Personalized medicine approaches enhance treatment efficacy and safety.
    • The safety profile of biologic drugs in children is generally favorable, with rare severe hazards.

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