title: IL-6 blockers in systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
abstract: IL-6 has a key role in the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and activity of Systemic Onset Idiopathic Arthritis (sJIA). Tocilizumab (TCZ), the first humanized antihuman IL-6 receptor antibody, inhibits the activity of IL-6. In this review, we summarize the main studies performed, to date, about the use of TCZ in children affected by sJIA refractory to conventional treatment. Nowadays TCZ can be used, alone or in association with Metotrexate, in children older than 2 years. Its use in children younger than 2 years is being investigated. Further study about its use in sJIA and other type of idiopathic arthritis should be done.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Barone
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Rossana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pignataro
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Teresa
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Garozzo
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Leonardi
mesh_terms: D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D007223:Infant; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D015850:Interleukin-6; D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6; C502936:tocilizumab; D008727:Methotrexate
keywords: interleukin 6; systemic onset idiopathic arthritis; tocilizumab