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Article
The Role of Combination Therapy in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Clinical Report from the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
  • Andrew S. Day
  • Ajay S. Gulati
  • Nishaben Patel
  • Brendan Boyle
  • K.T. Park
  • Shehzad Ahmed Saeed, Wright State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2018
Abstract

The treatment goal for children suffering from inflammatory bowel disease has been evolving with biologic therapies like anti-tumor necrosis factor agents assuming a more central role in treatment of more aggressive and extensive phenotype. Earlier introduction of anti-tumor necrosis factor agents have shown to be more effective and may even alter the natural history of inflammatory bowel disease. Development of anti-drug antibodies, however, limits long-term usage and leads to dose adjustment in almost half of patients treated with these medications. One of the strategies to minimize the development of anti-drug antibodies has been concomitant use of immunomodulator medications, resulting in fewer infusion reactions and sustained trough levels, potentially lowering the need for dose adjustments. Balanced with these benefits of optimized dosing and likely more sustained response, however, is the concern about increased risk of complications, such as infections and malignancies. The current manuscript reviews the available pediatric literature regarding efficacy, safety, and side effect profile of combination (immunomodulator and biologics) therapy in pediatric Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, with particular emphasis on cost constraints, and recommendations for selection of patients who would benefit most from combination therapy.

DOI
10.1097/MPG.0000000000001850
PMCID
29210919
Citation Information
Andrew S. Day, Ajay S. Gulati, Nishaben Patel, Brendan Boyle, et al.. "The Role of Combination Therapy in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Clinical Report from the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition" Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Vol. 66 Iss. 2 (2018) p. 361 - 368 ISSN: 0277-2116
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/shehzad-saeed/101/