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Introduction and aims: The incidence of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease has increased in recent decades. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of proactive and serial monitoring of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor levels to maintain clinical remission and mucosal healing in the follow-up of paediatric patients with Crohn disease (CD). Methods: Prospective study that included all patients diagnosed with CD and treated with adalimumab or infliximab between May 2015 and November 2020 who underwent serial and proactive monitoring of TNF inhibitor levels. Results: The study included 30 patients, 21 male (70%). The mean age at diagnosis was 11.3 years (SD, 2.0), the mean age at initiation of TNF inhibitors was 12.6 years (SD, 1.9) with a mean duration of follow-up of 27.1 ± 9.1 months. Clinical remission was defined as a weighted Pediatric Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (wPCDAI) of less than 12.5 and mucosal healing as a Mucosal Inflammation Non-invasive Index (MINI) of less than 8. During the follow-up, patients were in clinical remission in 87.1% of the visits, presented with mild disease in 11.4% and with moderate disease in 1.5%, and mucosal healing was assumed in 83% of the visits. The rates of clinical remission and mucosal healing at 1, 2, and 3 years of follow-up were 83.3%, 95.8%, 92.8%, and 86.7%, 87.5% and 85.7%, respectively. Conclusions: Proactive and serial monitoring of serum TNF inhibitor levels may make it possible for patients to maintain clinical remission and mucosal healing in the maintenance phase, with individualised optimization of the required dosage and minimization of secondary loss of response. Resumen: Introducción y objetivos: La incidencia de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal pediátrica ha aumentado en las últimas décadas. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el papel de la monitorización proactiva y en serie de los niveles de fármacos anti-TNF (factor de necrosis tumoral) para mantener la remisión clínica y la curación mucosa durante el seguimiento de pacientes pediátricos con Enfermedad de Crohn (EC). Método: Estudio prospectivo que incluye a todos los pacientes diagnosticados de EC y tratados con adalimumab o infliximab entre mayo de 2015 y noviembre de 2020, en los que se ha realizado una monitorización seriada y proactiva de los niveles de anti-TNF. Resultados: Se incluyeron treinta pacientes, 21 varones (70%). La edad en el momento del diagnóstico fue de 11,3 ± 2,0, la edad en el momento de iniciar el anti-TNF fue de 12,6 ± 1,9 años con un tiempo medio de seguimiento de 27,1 ± 9,1 meses. Se consideró remisión clínica si wPCDAI < 12,5 puntos y curación mucosa si el índice MINI

Los antagonistas del Factor de Necrosis Tumoral-a, son medicamentos que en los últimos años han tenido un incremento de su uso en pacientes con condiciones inflamatorias inmunomediadas en pediatría, como la Artritis Idiopática Juvenil y la Enfermedad Inflamatoria Intestinal. El uso de estos medicamentos en adultos tiene una fuerte asociación con la primoinfección o reactivación por Mycobacterium tuberculosis, pero en niños la evidencia es limitada. Se presentan 2 casos de pacientes tratados con adalimumab, quienes, a pesar de un buen control de su enfermedad y una prueba de tuberculina negativa al inicio de la terapia, desarrollaron tuberculosis miliar en el seguimiento, con importantes implicaciones para su salud. El tamizaje de tuberculosis latente con tuberculina/IGRAS (Interferón-Y release assays, por sus siglas en inglés) y un alto índice de sospecha de tuberculosis, son las herramientas disponibles para una adecuada identificación de la tuberculosis en pacientes que reciben crónicamente estas terapias.

No contexto das estratégias do tratamento da doença de Crohn, os imunobiológicos são uma das formas mais promissoras de combate a essa enfermidade que acomete milhares de pessoas no mundo e repercutem na qualidade de vida dos doentes. O adalimumabe é um medicamento que pode reduzir sinais e sintomas e provocar indução e manutenção da remissão da doença. O rash cutâneo, apesar de ser uma reação comum (cerca de 12%) é uma reação adversa rara com poucos casos descritos na literatura. Nesta perspectiva, o presente trabalho faz o relato do surgimento da reação adversa bem como o acompanhamento farmacoterapêutico realizado e estabelece a causalidade através da utilização de ferramentas para caracterização como os algoritmos e laudo anatomopatológico.

Introducción: los inhibidores del Factor de Necrosis Tumoral o anti-TNF son medicamentos biológicos utilizados en el tratamiento de procesos inflamatorios crónicos. El adalimumab es un representante de este grupo de fármacos usados en psoriasis en placas, artritis psoriásica reumatoide, etc. Sus antecedentes en reportes del programa farmacovigilancia sobre las reacciones adversas direccionaron el desarrollo de este bioensayo en el nemátodo Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Objetivo: evaluar la toxicidad de Adalimumab en el modelo biológico C. elegans. Métodos: se realizó un bioensayo en el nemátodo C. Elegans empleando la cepa silvestre N2 y las cepas transgénicas SDO-4, HSP-3, GPX-4 que fueron expuestas a diferentes concentraciones de adalimumab para evaluar su toxicidad. Resultados: las diferentes concentraciones de Adalimumab no alteraron su ciclo de vida del C. elegans, pero si produjeron neurotoxicidad demostrada por sobreexcitación de la locomoción, así como disrupción endocrina además de daño tisular. Conclusión: es necesario contar con más estudios sobre toxicidad para los medicamentos biológicos y contar con programas de Farmacovigilancia, para la notificación de sospecha de toxicidad por estos fármacos.

Introducción: la tuberculosis (TB) es una complicación frecuente del uso de fármacos anti-TNFa. Ocurre por reactivación de una infección latente o por progresión de una infección reciente. Objetivos: conocer la incidencia de TB en la población que recibió fármacos anti- TNFa, analizar las formas de presentación y la realización de pesquisa de infección latente previo al inicio del tratamiento. Método: estudio de cohorte retrospectiva. Se incluyeron los pacientes que recibieron fármacos anti- TNFa entre 2010 y 2016. Los datos se obtuvieron de los sistemas informáticos del Fondo Nacional de Recursos y del Programa Nacional de Tuberculosis. Se calculó la incidencia de TB y se describieron los casos que desarrollaron TB. Resultados: se incluyeron 991 tratamientos para un total de 980 pacientes. Se reportaron nueve casos de TB. La incidencia global fue de 419,9 (IC 95% 191,9-591,2) por 100.000 personas/año. Solo hubo casos de TB en pacientes tratados con adalimumab. El cribado de infección tuberculosa latente (ITBL) previo al inicio del fármaco fue heterogéneo y predominaron las formas de TB diseminadas (6/9) sobre la afectación pulmonar aislada (3/9). En todos los casos se suspendió el anti- TNFa al diagnóstico de TB y en ningún caso se retomó. Conclusiones: la incidencia de TB en la población de pacientes bajo tratamiento con anti- TNFa fue 16,5 veces mayor que en la población general. Predominaron las formas de TB diseminadas y se dieron casos en sujetos que habían recibido tratamiento de ITBL previo al inicio del fármaco, sugiriendo que el riesgo persiste mientras exista exposición a éste.

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the use of subconjuctival administration of the anti-tumor necrosis factor agent adalimumab for treatment of dry eye in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome, and to investigate conjunctival healing. Methods Prospective, nonrandomized, noncomparative interventional case series including consecutive patients with Sjögren’s syndrome and dry eye disease treated with subconjunctival adalimumab, who were refractory to conventional treatment. Patients with infectious ocular surface involvement or structural changes in the tear pathway or eyelids were excluded. Data recorded included age, sex, lissamine green staining pattern, Schirmer test results, intraocular pressure, conjunctival mobility, tear break up time and findings of biomicroscopic evaluation, following fluorescein dye instillation. The Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire validated for the Portuguese language was used for subjective assessment of patients. Results Eleven eyes of eight patients were studied. Mean patient age was 53±13.4 years. Patients were treated with subconjunctival injection of 0.03 mL of adalimumab and followed for 90 days thereafter. There were no statistically significant objective improvement (objective tests results; p>0.05) and no statistically significant changes in intraocular pressure (p=0.11). Questionnaire responses revealed a significant improvement in ocular symptoms (p=0.002). Conclusion Based on the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire, subconjunctival administration of adalimumab improved dry eye symptoms. However, objective assessments failed to reveal statistically significant improvements.

La transmisión entre humanos de Mycobacterium bovis es un hallazgo infrecuente que tiene mayor incidencia en hos- pedadores inmunodeprimidos por enfermedades como el SIDA o la toma de fármacos dirigidos contra el sistema inmu- ne, como son los fármacos biológicos anti-TNF. En este trabajo describimos el caso de una mujer de 33 años con antecedentes personales de espondilitis anquilosante en tratamiento con adalimumab (Humira®) que ingresa en el Servicio de Neumología por un cuadro de infección de vías respiratorias bajas, que resulta deberse a enfermedad tuberculosa por M. bovis tras un contacto con otro paciente. Ante la persistencia de fiebre se descubre afectación del SNC con lesiones en cerebelo y hemisferios cerebrales secundarios al proceso infeccioso. A los tres meses del inicio del tratamiento el patrón miliar se había resuelto y la paciente no pre- sentaba clínica respiratoria alguna. En el caso comentado resulta interesante la importante inmunosupresión que producen los tratamientos biológicos y la aparición de infecciones oportunistas cada vez más frecuentemente asociadas a dichos fármacos. También invita a re- flexionar sobre la importancia de una correcta anamnesis.

La incidencia global de tuberculosis en pacientes con psoriasis recibiendo anti-factor de necrosis tumoral (TNF)- α en Latinoamérica es desconocida, a pesar del uso cada vez mayor de dichas terapias, y de las elevadas tasas de incidencia de tuberculosis en la región, por lo que se efectuó una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis sobre el tema. Para dicha revisión, se incluyeron estudios que reporten la incidencia de tuberculosis activa en pacientes con psoriasis recibiendo anti- TNF- α en Latinoamérica, usando cuatro bases de datos electrónicas: Pubmed, Scielo, LILACS y Medigraphic, para luego efectuar un metaanálisis sobre dichas incidencias y obtener proporciones conjuntas. Finalmente, se seleccionaron 9 estudios los cuales fueron realizados en Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia y México, con un seguimiento total de 510,9 pacientes- año, y obteniéndose un total de 3 casos de tuberculosis activa, lo cual constituye una incidencia estimada de 636 casos de tuberculosis por cada 100 mil pacientes/año (intervalo de confianza al 95% [IC 95%]: 145-1764 por 100 mil pacientes/año), tras usar el modelo de efectos fijos, siendo dicha incidencia elevada en relación a las tasas de incidencia poblacionales en la región, y comparable a otras poblaciones que recibieron terapias anti- TNF- α por psoriasis en otras

Background: Adalimumab biosimilar MSB11022 (Idacio ®) has been approved for the same indications as its originator (Humira ®), based on findings from clinical trials in plaque psoriasis. Data on its efficacy and safety in inflammatory bowel disease, however, are scarce., Methods: Retrospective, observational study of 44 patients with inflammatory bowel disease: 30 were treated with originator adalimumab, 5 were directly started on MSB11022, and 9 switched from originator to biosimilar adalimumab. To evaluate the effectiveness of the use of adalimumab in inflammatory bowel disease, both laboratory markers (fecal calprotectin and C-reactive protein) and scales that measure the activity of inflammatory bowel disease using specific scales (Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) have been usEd.) for Crohn's disease and Mayo Score for Ulcerative Colitis. Efficacy was evaluated by recording the adverse effects that could occur with the administration of adalimumab (original or biosimilar). The success of the switch was determined by analyzing meaningful differences in effectiveness and safety criteria. Concomitant therapy and the need for dose intensification were also analyzed. Objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of biosimilar adalimumab in adalimumab-naïve patients and patients switched from originator adalimumab., Results: No significant differences were observed in clinical disease activity (P=.317) or biochemical parameters [fecal calprotectin (P=.445) and C-reactive protein P=.661)] after the switch from the originator adalimumab to MSB11022. There was not a significant reduction in the concomitant use of corticosteroids and thiopurines (P=.157). No emergency room visits or hospitalizations were observed during the study period and none of the patients experienced serious adverse effects., Conclusions: Between originator adalimumab and biosimilar-start cohorts, no differences were observed, between originator adalimumab and switch cohorts, no significant differences were found either, and with the pre- and post-switch to biosimilar comparison, 2 of the 9 patients experienced AEs after the switch. The biosimilar showed a favorable safety profile (one patient with a serious adverse effect (rash) with biosimilar discontinued treatment) and no significant changes to clinical or biochemical parameters were observed after the switch., (Copyright © 2024. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

Resumen: Introducción y objetivos: Adalimumab (ADA), anticuerpo anti-TNF-α monoclonal recombinante de origen humano, generalmente se emplea como tratamiento de segunda línea en niños con enfermedad de Crohn (EC) que no han respondido o han perdido respuesta a infliximab (IFX). En las series publicadas más del 70% de los pacientes habían sido tratados inicialmente con IFX. Los datos sobre la eficacia a corto y a largo plazo de ADA en pacientes naïve a anti-TNF son muy limitados. El objetivo del presente estudio es describir nuestra experiencia con ADA como tratamiento anti-TNF de primera línea en niños con EC. Material y método: Estudio multicéntrico, retrospectivo que incluye pacientes con EC tratados con ADA como anti-TNF de primera línea. Resultados: Se incluyeron 62 pacientes (34 varones) con una edad media de 13,0 ± 2,4 años, un tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad de 7,3 meses (RIQ 2,7-21) y un wPCDAI de 35 puntos (RIQ 24,3-47,5). En el momento de comenzar ADA, 58 pacientes (93,5%) estaban recibiendo tratamiento inmunomodulador. A las 12 semanas de tratamiento el 80,6% (50/62) habían alcanzado la remisión clínica, así como el 95% (57/60) a las 52 semanas. Ocho pacientes (13%) presentaron efectos adversos. Se constató un incremento significativo de los z-scores de talla, velocidad de crecimiento e índice de masa corporal (IMC) a las 52 semanas de tratamiento, en especial en aquellos con retraso de crecimiento. Conclusiones: El tratamiento con ADA favorece una remisión clínica prolongada en pacientes naïve a anti-TNF. El tratamiento con ADA mejora la velocidad de crecimiento en niños con EC y retraso de crecimiento al inicio del tratamiento. Abstract: Background and objectives: Adalimumab (ADA), a monoclonal humanised anti-TNF antibody, is usually prescribed as a second-line treatment in paediatric Crohn's disease (CD) patients who have become unresponsive or developed intolerance to infliximab (IFX). In the case series reported, more than 70% of patients had initially been treated with IFX. Data on short- and long-term effectiveness of ADA in anti-TNF naïve patients is limited. The aim of this study is to describe our experience with ADA as a first-line anti-TNF in paediatric CD patients. Material and methods: This is a multicentre retrospective study including anti-TNF naïve paediatric CD patients treated with ADA as first-line anti-TNF. Results: Sixty-two patients (34 males), with a mean age of 13.0 ± 2.4 years and a disease duration of 7.3 (IQR 2.7-21) months were included. Median wPCDAI was 35 (IQR 24.3-47.5). Fifty-eight out of 62 (93.5%) were on combo therapy at baseline. Clinical remission at week 12 was achieved in 50 out of 62 (80.6%) and in 57 out of 60 (95.0%) at week 52. Eight patients (13%) reported adverse events. Mean height, growth rate and BMI z-scores improved significantly between baseline and week 52, especially in patients with growth failure. Conclusions: ADA treatment leads to lasting clinical remission in anti-TNF naïve paediatric patients with CD. ADA significantly improved growth rate in children with CD who had growth delay at baseline.

Background and objectives: Adalimumab (ADA), a monoclonal humanised anti-TNF antibody, is usually prescribed as a second-line treatment in paediatric Crohn's disease (CD) patients who have become unresponsive or developed intolerance to infliximab (IFX). In the case series reported, more than 70% of patients had initially been treated with IFX. Data on short- and long-term efficacy of ADA in anti-TNF naïve patients is limited. The aim of this study is to describe our experience with ADA as a first-line anti-TNF in paediatric CD patients. Material and methods: This is a multicentre retrospective study including anti-TNF naïve paediatric CD patients treated with ADA as first-line anti-TNF. Results: Sixty-two patients (34 males), with a mean age of 13.0 ± 2.4 years and a disease duration of 7.3 (IQR 2.7–21) months were included. Median wPCDAI was 35 (IQR 24.3–47.5). Fifty-eight out of 62 (93.5%) were on combo therapy at baseline. Clinical remission at week 12 was achieved in 50 out of 62 (80.6%) and in 57 out of 60 (95.0%) at week 52. Eight patients (13%) reported adverse events. Mean height, growth rate and BMI z-scores improved significantly between baseline and week 52, especially in patients with growth failure. Conclusions: ADA treatment leads to lasting clinical remission in anti-TNF naïve paediatric patients with CD. ADA significantly improved growth rate in children with CD who had growth delay at baseline. Some patients remain in remission for prolonged time periods under monotherapy; however, some patients would require dose escalation. Resumen: Introducción y objetivos: Adalimumab (ADA), anticuerpo anti-TNF-α monoclonal recombinante de origen humano, generalmente se emplea como tratamiento de segunda línea en niños con enfermedad de Crohn (EC) que no han respondido o han perdido respuesta a infliximab (IFX). En las series publicadas más del 70% de los pacientes habían sido tratados inicialmente con IFX. Los datos sobre la eficacia a corto y a largo plazo de ADA en pacientes naïve a anti-TNF son muy limitados. El objetivo del presente estudio es describir nuestra experiencia con ADA como tratamiento anti-TNF de primera línea en niños con EC. Material y método: Estudio multicéntrico, retrospectivo que incluye pacientes con EC tratados con ADA como anti-TNF de primera línea. Resultados: Se incluyeron 62 pacientes (34 varones) con una edad media de 13,0 ± 2,4 años, un tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad de 7,3 meses (RIQ 2,7-21) y un wPCDAI de 35 puntos (RIQ 24,3-47,5). En el momento de comenzar ADA, 58 pacientes (93,5%) estaban recibiendo tratamiento inmunomodulador. A las 12 semanas de tratamiento el 80,6% (50/62) habían alcanzado la remisión clínica, así como el 95% (57/60) a las 52 semanas. Ocho pacientes (13%) presentaron efectos adversos. Se constató un incremento significativo de los z-scores de talla, velocidad de crecimiento e índice de masa corporal (IMC) a las 52 semanas de tratamiento, en especial en aquellos con retraso de crecimiento. Conclusiones: El tratamiento con ADA favorece una remisión clínica prolongada en pacientes naïve a anti-TNF. El tratamiento con ADA mejora la velocidad de crecimiento en niños con EC y retraso de crecimiento al inicio del tratamiento.

Objetivos. Conocer las reacciones adversas tipo endocrino asociado al uso de medicamentos y reportado al Programa Distrital de Farmacovigilancia de Bogotá durante el periodo 2012 a 2016. Materiales y métodos. Los reportes analizados corresponden al periodo del 1º de enero de 2012 al 31 de diciembre de 2016 del Programa Distrital de Farmacovigilancia. Su análisis se hizo mediante algoritmos de causalidad y por tipo de evento. Resultados. Se analizaron 85 reportes. Uno de ellos relacionado con una sospecha de problema de calidad del medicamento, los otros 84 relacionados con reacciones adversas sobre los cuales se centró la investigación. De los 84 reportes, 36 (42,9 %) corresponden a reacciones adversas a medicamento tipo A y 26 (31 %) a reportes de reacciones adversas a medicamentos de tipo fallo terapéutico. Los principales efectos secundarios a los medicamentos fueron el aumento de los niveles de hormona paratiroidea por uso de cinacalcet en 27 (34,1 %) reportes, seguidas por el síndrome de Cushing relacionado con la administración de prednisolona en 12 (14,1 %), bocio por uso de adalimumab en 12 (14,1 %), hiperprolactinemia por el uso de risperidona en 10 (11,8 %) e hipotiroidismo inducido por amiodarona en 3 (3,4 %). Conclusiones. El desarrollo de estos estudios permite conocer las principales reacciones adversas que se presentan durante el uso habitual de los medicamentos, así como su perfil de seguridad.

Se presenta un caso de una paciente de 30 años que acude a la farmacia con una prescripción del dermatólogo para que se le preparen unas cápsulas de ácido trans-retinoico 16 mg/24 h, prescrita para una psoriasis palmoplantar. Debido a la alta incidencia de daño hepático del ácido trans-retinoico, se le ofrece a la pa­ciente el SFT. La paciente está en tratamiento con antiTNF, Adalimumab, por Enfermedad de Crohn desde hace dos años. Detectamos que sus valores de enzimas hepáticas están elevados AST (GOT): 59 U/L; ALT(GPT): 63 U/L y comprobamos que Adalimumab presenta descrito en su ficha técnica como efecto secundario frecuente psoriasis y aumento de transaminasas. La farmacia informó al médico de las posibles reacciones adversas detectadas en la paciente, así como la supresión temporal en la preparación de las cápsulas de trans-retinoico debido a los valores de transaminasas tan elevados encontrados, hasta su confirmación. El médico le suspendió temporalmente el tratamiento con Adalimumab y confirmó la supresión del tratamiento con trans-retinoico derivando al paciente a dermatología para biopsia cutánea y valorar una posible toxicodermia; junto con ecografía de abdomen. Dermatología confirmó que las lesiones cutáneas son compatibles con psoriasis cutánea inducida por antiTNF. Sus valores analíticos disminuyeron (AST(GOT): 41U/L, ALT(GPT): 79U/L); y presentaba una mejora de las lesiones cutáneas y del prurito. La ecografía dio una esteatosis hepática, sin otras alteraciones y se instaura tratamiento con Ustekinumab 90 mg/día. Resaltar en este caso la importancia del farmacéutico comunitario como agente coordinador en Atención Primaria.

El síndrome de Vogt Koyanagi Harada (VKH) consiste en una panuveitis bilateral que forma parte de los síndromes uveomeníngeos. El tratamiento en estadio crónico es difícil por presentar pobre respuesta a la inmunomodulación, por lo que se recurre a opciones terapéuticas como agentes biológicos tipo anti-TNF alfa. Se describe el caso de una paciente con VKH severo y resistencia al infliximab, quien mostró respuesta al adalimumab. El adalimumab es un anticuerpo monoclonal humanizado efectivo en casos de resistencia al infliximab en pacientes con síndrome de VKH crónico persistente. El caso es de interés por ser infrecuente la resistencia a este medicamento en la práctica clínica, y el uso del activador de plasminógeno tisular contribuyó significativamente en la mejoría visual.

Objectives: to describe the efficacy and safety of adalimumab (ADA) in inducing clinical remission and reducing inflammation of intestinal mucosa in children with Crohn's disease (CD). Methods: we carried out a descriptive, observational study with all patients diagnosed with CD and treated with ADA between January 2007 and March 2013. Disease activity was determined using the Pdiatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI), and the degree of mucosa inflammation by fecal calprotectin (FC). Results: sixteen patients were included. Mean age at diagnosis was 10.6 ± 2.5 years, with a mean age at start of ADA treatment of 12.4 ± 1.8 years, and a median of 1.4 years (IQR 0.5-3) duration from CD diagnosis to start of treatment. Twelve patients were naïve to anti-TNF-α. The PCDAI score at start of ADA treatment was significantly reduced at 12 weeks of follow-up (31.25 IQR 26.8-37.5 vs. 1.2 IQR 0.0-5.0; p = 0.001). Similarly, the FC level decreased at 12 weeks (749 µg/g IQR 514-898 vs. 126 µg/g IQR 67.7-239.2; p = 0.02). Surgery was performed in 4 patients. Adverse events were reported in 4 patients. One patient developed lymphoma at 4 years of ADA treatment in monotherapy. Conclusions: ADA has been shown to be effective in children with moderate-to-severe CD. Treatment benefits should be weighed against side effects. Multicenter longitudinal studies with longer follow-up periods are required to determine the true efficacy and safety of long-term ADA treatment.

Biologic drugs have been recently used to treat psoriasis. However, some patients do not respond or lose therapeutic benefit with first-line use of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists. We report a case of psoriasis vulgaris, that failed to respond to TNF antagonists, infliximab and adalimumab, completely disappeared after treatment with ustekinumab, a therapeutic agent for biologically blocking p40 protein of interleukin (IL) 12 and 23. This report highlights anti-TNF agents only inhibited the TNF-α/inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-producing dendritic cells (TIP-DCs), but the plasmacytoid-DC-derived psoriatic response was re-initiated. On the other hand, ustekinumab may inhibit both the TIP-DCs and the plasmacytoid-DC-derived inflammatory response.

Inflammatory bowel disease includes two chronic inflammatory diseases, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The burden of disease is increasing worldwide. A few reviews evaluating the paediatric use of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists have been published, although these mostly include observational studies and do not consider economic evaluations. This systematic review evaluated the available evidence regarding the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of TNF antagonist therapy for paediatric inflammatory bowel disease. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central (up to May 2022). Nine randomized clinical trials and four economic evaluations that examined any anti-TNF drugs (e.g., infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, and certolizumab) against different alternatives were included. In studies evaluating the efficacy of anti-TNF drugs in Crohn's disease, most assessed the efficacy of maintenance regimen in patients who had previously responded to induction (response=28%-63%, and clinical remission=17%-83% depending on dose, drug, and follow-up). In ulcerative colitis, maintenance treatment with anti-TNF drugs reported clinical remission rates between 17% and 44%. Nine studies reported information on adverse events. No clinical trials comparing different anti-TNF drugs were found. The findings from this review suggest that maintenance treatment with anti-TNF drugs (such as infliximab and adalimumab) in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease is probably effective and safe. However, the economic evaluations reported contradictory results of the cost-effectiveness ratios. Protocol registry: Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/wjmvf., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most frequent primary antibody deficiency. It is characterized by recurrent bacterial infections, and occurrence of autoimmune and neoplastic diseases is also frequent; there is also a high prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases. There are reports of inflammatory bowel disease in this entity, but incidence is low (2-4 %). We present the case of a patient with common variable immunodeficiency suffering a chronic diar-rhoea episode and who was diagnosed with ileocaecal Crohn's-like disease after performing intestinal transit, CT abdomen and colonoscopy with biopsy. It was first treated with prednisone but on -showing cortisone dependency, treatment with azathioprine and adalimumab was started, with good results.

Biological drugs or biopharmaceutical products, manufactured with or from living organisms using biotechnology, have represented a therapeutic revolution for the control of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). At present, in this indication and in our country, only two biologicals are approved, infliximab (IFX) and adalimumab (ADA), both of them monoclonal antibodies against tumor necrosis factor alpha. Effectiveness data are strong for both therapies, with maximum levels of scientific evidence. The upcoming expiry date for these biologicals' patents has allowed the potential marketing of so-called biosimilar agents for the IBD indication. While biosimilars are conceptually for biologicals what generics are for chemical drugs, the structural complexity of biosimilars and their biological and manufacturing variability lead to consider validation processes for these two types in humans as highly differential. Thus, in our setting, under the coverage of "Agencia Española del Medicamento y Productos Sanitarios (AEMPS)" (Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices), guidelines issued by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) are to be applied, which states that a number of stages or steps must be overcome in order to obtain approval for a biosimilar agent. However, despite the presence of these recommendations by EMA, which must be met by a biosimilar in order to be licensed in our marketplace, relevant uncertainties persist that only future decisions by EMA and AEMPS may clarify. The present stance by our task force is that biosimilar development should be undertaken according to established regulations, thus certifying their efficacy and safety. Similarly, this task force considers that results obtained from studies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) should not be extrapolated to IBD since the biological variability of these complex structures will not ensure a lack of noticeable changes in efficacy and safety.Los productos biofarmacéuticos, o medicamentos biológicos, fabricados mediante, o a partir de organismos vivos utilizando biotecnología, han supuesto una revolución terapéutica en el control de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII). Al presente, en esta indicación y en nuestro país, solo se dispone de dos biológicos autorizados, infliximab (IFX) y adalimumab (ADA), ambos anticuerpos monoclonales frente al factor de necrosis tumoral alfa. La evidencia de eficacia con ambos tratamientos es sólida con niveles de evidencia científica máxima. La proximidad de la expiración de las patentes de estos dos biológicos ha abierto la posibilidad de entrada en el mercado de los denominados biosimilares en la indicación de tratamiento de la EII. Aunque conceptualmente los biosimilares son para los medicamentos biológicos lo que los genéricos para los químicos, la complejidad estructural de los biosimilares, así como su propia variabilidad biológica y la de su producción, obligan a considerar como muy diferentes los procesos de validación de su uso en humanos respecto de los mencionados genéricos. Así, en nuestro medio, y contando con la garantía de la Agencia Española del Medicamento y Productos Sanitarios (AEMPS), son de aplicación las reglas del juego dictadas por la "European Medicines Agency" (EMA) que ha establecido una serie de etapas o escalones a superar antes de poder obtener la aprobación para un biosimilar. No obstante, a pesar de la existencia de estas recomendaciones de la EMA, que deben cumplirse para que un biosimilar sea aprobado en nuestro mercado, persisten algunas incertidumbres relevantes que solo las futuras decisiones de la EMA y de la AEMPS pueden aclarar. La posición del presente grupo de trabajo es que el desarrollo de un biosimilar debe hacerse en el contexto de las normas establecidas certificando de esta manera su eficacia y seguridad. Igualmente este grupo de trabajo considera que no deben extrapolarse los resultados obtenidos en los estudios realizados en artritis reumatoide (AR) a la EII, en base a que la variabilidad biológica de estas complejas estructuras no garantiza la ausencia de notables cambios en eficacia y seguridad.

Background and aims: Crohn's disease (CD) is commonly associated with inflammatory processes located in organs and systems others than the gut, which are known as extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) of the disease. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of adalimumab (ADA) for the treatment of EIM in patients with CD. Methods: forty two consecutive CD patients with at least one EIM were prospectively included in a open-label study. Patients received ADA (160 mg at week zero, 80 mg at week two and 40 mg every other week) over six months and the effectiveness and safety of ADA for EIMs were assessed. The influence of gender, age, smoking habits, family history of inflammatory bowel disease, phenotype and previous anti-TNF treatment on EIM resolution was also investigated. Results: at month six, 76.2% of the patients showed remission or response in CD (33.3% remission and 42.9% any response). EIM showed a parallel course with CD in most cases, and showed remission or response in 66.7% of patients (38.1% remission and 28.5% any response). Patients with any response of their EIM condition were younger than those with no response (p = 0.04). No relationship was found between sex, tobacco, family history of IBD, phenotype and previous treatment with anti-TNF, and EIM resolution. Conclusions: adalimumab is effective in reducing EIM of CD. Age but not tobacco, CD phenotype and anti-TNF-naïve status appears to influence the response.

El tratamiento de la psoriasis moderada a grave es difícil, debido a la variable respuesta clínica y a los efectos adversos del tratamiento sistémico convencional, el que suele resultar insatisfactorio para numerosos pacientes. Puesto que los tratamientos actualmente disponibles tienen un efecto supresor de la enfermedad y no curativo, el control adecuado de los signos y síntomas requiere un tratamiento continuado a largo plazo, que en el caso de los tratamientos sistémicos tradicionales, conlleva un riesgo elevado de toxicidad acumulativa (daño hepático-metabólico-hemático-renal y riesgo de neoplasias). La misma fototerapia tiene sus límites por el hecho que en general, hay que concurrir tres veces por semana a una institución, la misma eventual toxicidad del 8-MOP y el riesgo de neoplasias Los tratamientos biológicos en la psoriasis van dirigidos contra citocinas o proteínas de superficie de los linfocitos, que actúan en los mecanismos fisiopatogénicos de la psoriasis. Se efectuó una investigación de tipo bibliográfica, para conocer la experiencia internacional con especial dedicación a etanercept, infliximab y adalimumab, los que demostraron ser efectivos, con una seguridad relativa respecto de complicaciones infecciosas y neoplásicas.The treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis is difficult, due to the variable clinical response and the adverse events emerging from the conventional systemic treatment and it is generally unsatisfactory to numerous patients. Given that the currently available treatments have a suppressor and not a curative effect on the disease, the adequate signs and symptoms control requires a long-term continued treatment which, in the case of traditional systemic treatments, conveys a high risk of accumulative toxicity (hepatic-metabolic-hematic-renal failure and risk of neoplasia). Phototherapy itself is limited by the fact that, generally, the patient has to visit an institution three times a week; there can be possible 8-MOP toxicity and risk of neoplasia. Biological psoriasis treatments are targeted against lymphocytes surface proteins or cytokines which act on the psoriasis physiopathogenic mechanisms. A bibliographic-like research was conducted to acquire international experience in biological agents, specially focused on etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab. These proved to be effective and to have a relative safety with regards to infectious and neoplastic complications.

Background: adalimumab, a human anti-TNF, is an effective induction and maintenance therapy for patients with moderate to severe Crohn's disease. It seems to be effective in patients with resistance to infliximab, too, though the experience is more limited. Aim: to evaluate the efficacy of adalimumab, in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and failure to previous treatment with infliximab. B twenty-five patients with CD and failure to previous treatment with infliximab were enrolled; they were treated with 160/80 (24 patients) and 80/40 (1 patient) induction doses. We analyze clinical response to treatment with adalimumab by the Crohn's disease Activity Index (CDAI) and plasma concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), steroid sparing and complete fistula closure at week 48. Results: eighteen out of twenty-five patients (72%) achieved clinical remission (CDAI score < 150) at week 24 and 15/25 (60%) patients at week 48. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.01) in CRP serum levels from 21 to 8 mg/dl at week 48. Nine out of fifteen patients (60%) treated with corticosteroids were able to discontinue steroids. Three out of eleven patients (27%) with fistulizing Crohn's disease had complete fistula closure after the treatment. Seventy two percent of the patients (18/25) needed to increase adalimumab to weekly dose, in order to maintain clinical response. Five out of twenty-five patients (20%) had adverse events; two of them (8%) with serious adverse events (tuberculous meningitis and abdominal abscess) that forced the withdrawal of treatment. Conclusions: according to these data, adalimumab provides a clinical and analytical improvement in patients with CD and failure to previous therapy with infliximab.Introducción: adalimumab, un anti-TNF humano, ha demostrado ser efectivo en la inducción y tratamiento de mantenimiento de la enfermedad de Crohn moderada-grave. Existe menos experiencia, pero este fármaco parece también eficaz en los pacientes con pérdida de respuesta o intolerancia al infliximab. Objetivo: evaluar la eficacia de adalimumab durante un año, en nuestra serie de pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn (EC) y fracaso en el tratamiento previo con infliximab. Métodos: se incluyen 25 pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn y fracaso previo a la terapia con infliximab, que son tratados con adalimumab. Se utilizaron dosis de inducción de 160/80 mg en 24 pacientes y dosis de 80/40 en un paciente. Analizamos la respuesta clínica al tratamiento con adalimumab mediante el Índice de actividad de la enfermedad de Crohn (CDAI) y las concentraciones plasmáticas de proteína C reactiva (PCR), el cese de la corticoterapia y el cierre completo de las fistulas en la semana 48. Resultados: dieciocho de veinticinco pacientes (72%) alcanzan la remisión clínica (CDAI < 150) en la semana 24 y 15/25 pacientes (60%) en la semana 48. Esto se acompañó de un descenso de los niveles de PCR de 21 a 8 mg/l en la semana 48. En nueve de quince pacientes (60%) que tomaban corticoides, se consiguió su retirada. Tres de once pacientes (27%) con enfermedad fistulosa presentaron un cierre completo de las fístulas tras el tratamiento con adalimumab. Un 72% de los pacientes (18/25) necesitaron, a lo largo del seguimiento, acortar el intervalo de tratamiento a una semana para mantener la respuesta. Cinco de veinticinco pacientes (20%) presentan efectos secundarios y en 2 de ellos (8%) fue precisa la retirada del fármaco (meningitis tuberculosa y absceso abdominal). Conclusiones: el tratamiento con adalimumab proporciona una mejoría clínica y analítica en un número significativo de pacientes con EC y fracaso previo a la terapia con infliximab.

Introduction: adalimumab is a recombinant fully-human monoclonal immunoglobulin (IgG1) antibody utilized in the treatment of Crohn's disease. Unfortunately no clinical or genetic markers exist to predict response to anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between selected genes involved in cytokine regulation and response to adalimumab treatment in Crohn's disease. Methods: twenty-four patients with Crohn's disease either naïve (n = 8) or had lost response or were unable to tolerate the chimeric anti-TNF antibody infliximab (n=16) were enrolled in the study. Patients were genotyped for main polymorphisms in NOD2, CD14 and TLR4 genes. Response to adalimumab treatment was defined as a decrease of Crohn's disease activity index of at least 100 points or a closure of at least 50% of fistulas in case of fistulizing Crohn's disease. Results: overall, 75% of patients did respond to treatment. However, no statistically significant association was found between any of the genotypes and the response to adalimumab. Conclusions: in our small study group no association between the studied polymorphisms and response to adalimumab was apparent. Systematic studies to search for genetic markers of response to anti-TNF therapy are necessary.

A criptosporidiose é uma doença parasitária causada pelo protozoário Cryptosporidium sp. Observou-se um aumento no número de diagnósticos realizados nos últimos vinte anos, principalmente em pacientes que apresentam imunodeficiências como a síndrome da imunodeficiência humana adquirida e as imunodeficiências induzidas como em pacientes transplantados e nos que necessitam realizar hemodiálise frequentemente. Relata-se o caso de um jovem com espondilite anquilosante que, usando adalimumabe, apresentou diarreia devido à criptosporidiose.Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by a protozoan called Cryptosporidium sp. An increased number of diagnoses were made in the last 20 years, especially in patients with immunodeficiency like the acquired human immunodeficiency syndrome and induced immunodeficiency, such as in transplant patients and those who need frequent hemodialysis, has been observed. We report the case of a young patient with ankylosing spondylitis treated with adalimumab who developed chronic diarrhea secondary to cryptosporidiosis

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as complicações imediatas da aplicação de agentes anti-TNFα no Centro de Dispensação de Medicação deAlto Custo do HC-FMUSP. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos todos os pacientes que receberam agentes anti-TNFα entre agosto/2007 e março/2009.As complicações imediatas (até 1 hora após o término da aplicação) foram classificadas em leves (cefaleia, rash, tontura, prurido, náuseas), moderadas (febre, urticária, palpitação, dor torácica, dispneia, variação da pressão arterial de 20 a 40 mmHg) ou graves (febre com calafrios, dispneia com sibilância, variação da pressão arterial > 40 mmHg). RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 242 pacientes: 94 (39%) com artrite reumatoide, 64 (26%) com espondilite anquilosante, 32 (13%) com artrite psoriásica, 26 (11%) com artrite idiopática juvenil e 27 (11%) com outros diagnósticos. O número total de aplicações foi de 3.555, sendo 992 (28%) de adalimumabe, 1.546 (43%) de etanercepte e 1.017 (29%) de infliximabe. Complicações imediatas foram observadas em 39/242 (16%) pacientes. As complicações ocorreram em 45/3.555 (1,2%) aplicações. Estas foram mais frequentes com infliximabe comparado com adalimumabe (3,7% vs. 0,5%, P < 0,0001), e com etanercepte (3,7% vs. 0,25%, P < 0,0001). As complicações foram: leves 14/45 (31%), moderadas 21/45 (47%) e graves 10/45 (22%); ocorreram principalmente nos primeiros seis meses de tratamento (56%) e nas aplicações endovenosas, predominantemente na primeira hora de infusão (76%). CONCLUSÃO: As reações agudas, apesar de raras, são potencialmente graves e ocorrem principalmente nas primeiras aplicações tanto no uso de medicações endovenosas como de subcutâneas. É necessário realizar mais estudos para definir a necessidade de aplicação dos imunobiológicos via subcutânea em locais capacitados para atendimento de emergências.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immediate complications of anti-TNFα drugs at the "Center for Dispensation of High Cost Medications" of HC-FMUSP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients who received anti-TNFα agents between August 2007 and March 2009 were included in this study. Immediate complications (up to 1 hour after the injection) were classified as mild (headache, rash, dizziness, itching, nausea), moderate (fever, urticaria, palpitation, chest pain, dyspnea, blood pressure variations between 20 and 40 mmHg), or severe (fever with chills, dyspnea with wheezing, variations in blood pressure > 40 mmHg). RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-two patients were evaluated: 94 (39%) with rheumatoid arthritis, 64 (26%) with ankylosing spondylitis, 32 (13%) with psoriatic arthritis, 26 (11%) with juvenile idiopathic arthritis; and 27 (11%) with other diagnoses. A total of 3,555 injections were administered: 992 (28%) adalimumab, 1,546 (43%) etanercept, and 1,017 (29%) infliximab. Immediate adverse events were observed in 39/242 (16%) patients. Injectionrelated complications were observed in 46/3,555 (1.2%) injections. They were more common with infliximab than adalimumab (3.7% vs. 0.5%, P < 0.0001) and etanercept (3.7% vs. 0.25%, P < 0.0001). Complications were classified as mild 14/45 (31%), moderate 21/45 (47%), and severe 10/45 (22%), and occurred mainly in the first six months of treatment (56%) and after intravenous injections, especially (76%) in the first hour. CONCLUSION: Although rare, acute reactions can be severe, being observed more commonly after the initial injections, both intravenous and subcutaneous. More studies are necessary to define whether those immunobiological agents should be administered only in facilities capable of managing medical emergencies.

Introducción: el adalimumab ha demostrado, en ensayos clínicos controlados con placebo y en estudios no controlados, ser efectivo en la EC luminal y fistulosa perianal. Objetivo: evaluar la eficacia y seguridad del adalimumab como tratamiento de inducción y mantenimiento en la EC. Metodología: se incluyeron 22 pacientes con EC tratados con adalimumab (16 por enfermedad luminal y 6 por enfermedad fistulosa perianal activa). Veintiún pacientes habían recibido previamente IFX. Se realizó tratamiento de inducción con 160 mg s.c. en la semana 0 y 80 mg s.c. a las 2 semanas. Los respondedores recibieron 40 mg s.c. cada 14 días como tratamiento de mantenimiento. Se valoró la respuesta a las 4 semanas de la dosis inicial, y se clasificó la respuesta como remisión, respuesta parcial o ausencia de respuesta. Resultados: tras la inducción, el 25% de los pacientes con enfermedad luminal tuvieron remisión completa y el 56,3% respuesta parcial. La respuesta clínica se mantuvo al año en el 71,6% de los pacientes, a los 18 meses en el 53,7% y a los 48 meses en el 35,8%. No se objetivaron diferencias en la respuesta entre pacientes que presentaron reacciones de hipersensibilidad o pérdida de respuesta a IFX. Todos los pacientes con enfermedad fistulosa perianal (n = 6) habían recibido previamente tratamiento con IFX. Tras la inducción un 16,7% entran en remisión y un 66,7% presentan respuesta parcial. Todos los pacientes mantienen remisión o respuesta en el tiempo con una mediana de seguimiento de 15 meses. Conclusiones: el adalimumab es un tratamiento eficaz y seguro en la inducción y mantenimiento de la respuesta en la EC luminal y fistulosa perianal. Estos resultados confirman que los hallazgos obtenidos en los ensayos clínicos controlados son reproducibles en la práctica clínica diaria.Background: adalimumab has been shown in placebo-controlled clinical trials and uncontrolled studies to be effective in luminal and perianal fistulizing CD. Objective: to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adalimumab for induction and maintenance therapy in CD. Methods: twenty-two patients with CD treated with adalimumab (16 for luminal disease and 6 for active perianal fistulizing disease) were included. Twenty-one patients had previously received IFX. All patients received induction therapy with 160 mg s.c. at week 0, and 80 mg s.c. at week 2. Responders received maintenance therapy with 40 mg s.c. every 14 days. Response was assessed at 4 weeks after the initial dose, and classified as remission, partial response, or non-response. Results: after induction, 25% of patients with luminal disease had a complete remission, and 56.3% had a partial response. Clinical response was maintained in 71.6% of patients at 1 year, in 53.7% at 18 months, and in 35.8% at 48 months. No differences in response were observed between patients with hypersensitivity reactions or loss of response to IFX. All patients with perianal fistulizing disease (n = 6) had been previously treated with IFX. After induction 16.7% entered remission, and 66.7% had a partial response. All patients maintained remission or response over time, with a median follow-up of 15 months. Conclusions: adalimumab is an effective and safe treatment for the induction and maintenance of response in luminal and perianal fistulizing CD. These results confirm that the findings obtained in controlled clinical trials are reproducible in clinical practice.

Introduction: regenerative nodular hyperplasia (RNH) is a rare liver disease with an etiology that is not well understood. Among the etiological factors are purine-analogue drugs such as azathioprine. Case report: we present a case of a 47-year-old patient diagnosed with Crohn's disease in treatment with azathioprine due to corticosteroid dependency who developed RNH with clinical and laboratory signs of portal hypertension one year after starting treatment. After discontinuation of azathioprine, the patient started treatment and, given the poor disease progression, started treatment with adalimumab. This was continued with an excellent response and without deleterious effects on the liver. Discussion: the relevance of this case is twofold: First, this is a rare and early side effect of azathioprine treatment and this is an irreversible disease with potentially serious complications. Second, because treatment was carried out with biological drugs (adalimumab) despite the patient having advance liver disease with portal hypertension without any evidence of its worsening, nor signs of deleterious effects or complications, given that there is scarce or no experience with adalimumab treatment in this type of situation.