Pediatria pre prax 1/2008

CURRENT THERAPY OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES IN CHILDREN

The aim of the article is to familiarize clinicians and other practitioners with the therapy of IBD in children, emphasizing the role of medications in induction and maintenance. The modern molecular techniques have made possible the production of highly specific monoclonal antibodies to target particular cellular and humeral mediators of mucosal inflammation. Infliximab was the first agent of this class to demonstrate clinical efficacy for the treatment of patients with IBD. This modern biological treatment is used in patients with corticosteroidresistant or fistulizing disease. Gastroenterologist carrying for children with IBD must develop an optimal regimen of pharmacologic therapies, nutritional management, psychological support and properly timed surgery (when necessary) that will maintain disease remission.

Keywords: inflammatory bowel disease in children, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, biological therapy.