Back to Journals » Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics » Volume 3

Role of adalimumab in the management of children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and other rheumatic conditions

Authors Marzan K

Received 1 February 2012

Accepted for publication 17 April 2012

Published 20 June 2012 Volume 2012:3 Pages 85—93

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/AHMT.S22607

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 3



Katherine Anne B Marzan

Division of Rheumatology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Abstract: Treatment of children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and other pediatric rheumatic diseases has evolved. Where once there was only a limited arsenal of medications, with significant side effects and inadequate efficacy, today, with an increased understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases, there is a wider variety of more targeted and effective treatments. TNF-α is a cytokine involved in a number of inflammatory pathways in pediatric rheumatic diseases. The emergence of biologic modifiers that target TNF-α has been pivotal in providing the ability to deliver early and aggressive treatment. Adalimumab, a recombinant monoclonal antibody to TNF-α, is an important therapeutic option, which affords children and adolescents with chronic illnesses an improved quality of life.

Keywords: adalimumab, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, TNF-α, pediatric, rheumatic diseases, treatment

Creative Commons License © 2012 The Author(s). This work is published and licensed by Dove Medical Press Limited. The full terms of this license are available at https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution - Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License. By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms.