Optimizing the safety of biologic therapy for IBD.
The introduction of biologic therapy for the treatment of IBD has substantially changed its management. The safety concerns associated with biologic therapies include the increased risk of infection, autoimmunity, development of lymphoma and demyelinating disease, and the risk of worsening heart failure. There are several strategies for minimizing the risks associated with biologic therapies. Pretreatment strategies include taking a proper history from the patient, physical examination of the patient, screening for latent tuberculosis and ruling out sepsis. Vaccination of patients against vaccine preventable diseases is also recommended. During treatment, patients should be closely monitored and any symptoms that develop should be dealt with early. Education of physicians and patients is also important to allow the early detection of any adverse events.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic, University of Calgary, Room 6D30, Teaching, Research, and Wellness (TRW) Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
Shanika
S
de Silva
Shane
S
Devlin
Remo
R
Panaccione
D001691:Biological Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007239:Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors
D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents