Pericarditis during infliximab therapy in paediatric ulcerative colitis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Cardiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Infliximab is a common biologic therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Pericarditis is a rare adverse effect of infliximab in adults.
• The safety profile of infliximab in pediatric IBD patients requires ongoing evaluation.

Observation:

• A 14-year-old male with ulcerative colitis received infliximab therapy.
• The patient developed pericarditis following his second infliximab infusion.
• Symptoms of pericarditis resolved upon cessation of infliximab treatment.

Findings:

• This is the first reported case of pericarditis in a pediatric patient treated with infliximab for IBD.
• The temporal association suggests a possible link between infliximab and pericarditis in this young patient.
• Delayed adverse reactions to infliximab, including cardiac complications, may occur in children.

Implications:

• Pediatricians and gastroenterologists should consider pericarditis in the differential diagnosis of children on infliximab presenting with cardiac symptoms.
• Close cardiac monitoring may be warranted for pediatric IBD patients receiving infliximab.
• Further research is needed to understand the incidence and mechanisms of infliximab-induced pericarditis in pediatric populations.