Introduction: Hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) have been observed with the use of biologics in children. The management of HSRs in children is mainly based on experiences from the adult population. Recently, data from different centers experienced in managing these reactions, including desensitization in children, have been published, allowing clinicians to have an appropriate global overview and compare results.
Areas covered: This review highlights the published data on hypersensitivity reactions to biologics in children and drug desensitization protocols adapted to the pediatric population.
Expert opinion: With regard to HSRs to biologics in children, few data are available. Compared with the adult population, there is a lack of knowledge in the endophenotypes, management and the standardization of protocols including premedication regimens in children. An international consensus is needed to provide clinicians with new insight on how to apply personalized management and to perform tailored desensitization protocols in pediatric populations. Various specialists including allergists, pediatricians, oncologists, hematologists, rheumatologists, and pharmacists, should build a multidisciplinary management team to keep pediatric patients on their best treatment options in the safest manner.
Keywords: Biologics; IgE-mediated; anti-drug antibodies; biological drugs; complement activation; drug allergy; drug desensitization; non-IgE-mediated reactions; pediatrics; precision medicine.