Biologics for the treatment of moderate- to-severe ulcerative colitis in pediatric patients

iologics for the treatment of moderate- to-severe ulcerative colitis in pediatric patients Review (1191) Total Article Views Authors: Albenberg LG, Mamula P, Kelsen JR Published Date July 2012 Volume 2012:3 Pages 51 - 58 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/PHMT.S24749 Received: 02 May 2012 Accepted: 08 June 2012 Published: 19 July 2012 Lindsey G Albenberg, Petar Mamula, Judith R Kelsen Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA Abstract: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the large intestine. In pediatric patients, UC is associated with significant morbidity including persistent symptoms affecting quality of life, hospitalizations, and surgery, and therapeutic strategies are limited. The advent of biologics, specifically anti-tumor necrosis factor- α medications, has been very beneficial for pediatric patients suffering from UC. Since the introduction of these therapies, there has been improvement in the rates of both remission as well as colectomy-free survival. However, there has been concern regarding the adverse events associated with these medications including the risk of infection and malignancy. The efficacy and safety of infliximab, the most frequently used biologic medication in pediatric patients with UC, will be the focus of this review.