Severe adverse reactions to Infliximab therapy are common in young children with inflammatory bowel disease

Acta Paediatr. 2007 Jan;96(1):128-30. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2007.00042.x.

Abstract

Since 2000 we have introduced 141 Infliximab infusions to 23 children with severe inflammatory bowel disease. A total of seven severe adverse reactions occurred in 26% (6 of 23) of the children. Four reactions were acute (anaphylaxis n = 2; allergic reaction n = 2) and 3/4 of these children were younger than 10 years of age. Two children developed an abscess and one child had septicaemia and brain lesions related to progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy.

Conclusion: adverse reactions to Infliximab infusions are common. Young children seem to be prone to severe allergic reactions although they are on azathioprine and conventional glucocorticoid therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Azathioprine / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / adverse effects*
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Infliximab
  • Male
  • Mesalamine / therapeutic use
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Gastrointestinal Agents
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Mesalamine
  • Infliximab
  • Azathioprine