Infliximab in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease

Infliximab has been widely used in paediatric Crohn's disease, mainly in luminal and fistulous disease refractory to standard treatment and for extraintestinal manifestations. Moreover, there is growing experience with its use in refractory ulcerative colitis. Infliximab has shown similar efficacy and safety in children as in adult population. It is postulated that its early use in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease, as a bridging treatment until the onset of action of other immunomodulators, could reduce the use of steroids and change the natural history of the disease as well. The effect of infliximab on mucosal heating could also contribute to the normal growth and sexual maturation in these patients. (C) 2007 European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.