Correll CK, et al. - This study was initiated in order to gauge the safety of weekly adalimumab in the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and pediatric chronic uveitis. It was observed that laboratory abnormalities and injection site reactions were rare occurrences. Weekly adalimumab was often used in the treatment of uveitis and rheumatoid factor-negative polyarticular JIA. The mean duration of weekly dosing was determined as 2 years. Serious adverse events appeared to be rare.

Methods

• This study cumulated the demographic and clinical data.
• In order to inspect for the occurrences of adverse events from weekly adalimumab, basic descriptive analysis was carried out.
• This trial examined 69 patients at the University of Minnesota or Gillette Children’s Hospital, who were treated with weekly adalimumab.
• Sixty (87%) candidates were eligible for the chart review.

Results

• It was determined that weekly adalimumab was used most commonly to treat uveitis (28%, 17/60) and rheumatoid factor-negative polyarticular JIA (25%, 15/60).
• Mean age at the start of weekly dosing was 13.9 years.
• Maximum patients were concurrently treated with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and methotrexate.
• Weekly dosing was continued in 53 (90%) patients, for greater than 3 months.
• The mean duration of weekly adalimumab was reported to be 2 years.
• During the entire course of weekly dosing, 24/60 (40%) patients reported the presence of minor infections not requiring antimicrobials and 24/60 (40%) had documented infections requiring antimicrobial treatment.
• Only three patients (5%) had an infection requiring hospitalization.
• It was observed that 2 patients (3%) developed autoimmune disease.