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

le of adalimumab in the management of children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and other rheumatic conditions Review (1710) Total Article Views Authors: Marzan KA Published Date June 2012 Volume 2012:3 Pages 85 - 93 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/AHMT.S22607 Received: 01 February 2012 Accepted: 17 April 2012 Published: 20 June 2012 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.