A practical guide to using biologics in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the commonest cause of arthritis in children. It has an autoimmune aetiology. The management of JIA in the last century was heavily based on the use of steroids and a handful of other disease modifying drugs. These had predictable and dose-dependent side effects and were only partially effective. This led to frequent inadequate control of inflammation, in turn leading to joint damage. Side effects included infections and growth retardation. The advent of a new class of synthetic, targeted therapeutic agents called biologic agents, has transformed the landscape in the management of JIA.
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Personal practice Source Type: research