Aim: Anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α drugs are effective treatments for the management of moderate/severe Crohn's disease (CD), but treatment failure is common. In the treatment of paediatric CD, there are no data about the use of a third introduced subcutaneous TNF antibody golimumab.
Methods: We evaluated the efficacy of golimumab for adolescents with moderate/severe CD. Retrospective analyses were done in all 7 (5 girls) adolescents who received golimumab at a median age of 17 years for a median of 7.2 months. Paediatric Crohn's disease activity index (PCDAI), full blood count, inflammatory markers, use of corticosteroids and adverse events were recorded.
Results: With golimumab, 5 of the 7 children were PCDAI responders and 2 entered remission (PCDAI <10). Faecal calprotectin was significantly reduced after 4 weeks compared to baseline. Out of five children, steroid withdrawal was possible in one and steroid reduction in two cases. There were no serious side effects.
Conclusion: In moderate/severe CD, golimumab induced clinical remission with PCDAI response. Golimumab may be an effective rescue therapy in refractory CD.
Keywords: Crohn's disease; adolescents; clinical response; golimumab.
© 2020 The Authors. Acta Paediatrica published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Foundation Acta Paediatrica.