biologic therapy in pediatric rheumatology

The article presents data on unique worldwide experience of biologic agents use in pediatric rheumatology. 433 children with different types of juvenile arthritis (JA) were treated with biologic drugs in Rheumatological Department of Scientific Center of Children’s Health, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences from November 2002 to September 2010: 270 patients received infliximab, 74 — adalimumab, 55 — rituximab, 34 — tocilizumab. Results of a study showed that differentiated biological therapy unlike classic immunosuppressive agents (methotrexate, cyclosporine, leflunomide, etc.) results in clinical and laboratory remission in 70% patients with JA and decrease of disease’s activity in 20% of children in one year. Treatment with genetically engineered biologic drugs increase quality of life of children with JA and their families, provides normal growth and development of patients, and changes a prognosis of this previously incurable autoimmune disease.