Single Center-Based Real-World Experience on Anti-IL 1 Biological Response Modifiers: A Case Series and Literature Review

TL;DR

This paper shares experiences using anti-IL-1 drugs to treat inflammatory diseases in children, showing their effectiveness and safety.

Contribution

The paper presents novel off-label applications of anakinra and canakinumab in pediatric inflammatory conditions.

Findings

Anakinra was effective as a single agent, background treatment, or in combination with colchicine.

Anakinra showed high efficacy in treating post-infectious conditions like rheumatic fever and post-viral arthritis.

Canakinumab provided long-term remission with no serious adverse effects observed.

Abstract

Background: This communication summarizes our single-center experience with the use of anti-IL-1 biologic response modifiers for treating autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions in children. Methods: We outline our rationale for the off-label use of anakinra and discuss emerging treatment paradigms that necessitate further research and validation. Results: Anakinra has enabled personalized treatment, whether used as a single agent on an as-needed basis, as part of a background treatment regimen, or in combination with colchicine. Our data also highlight the significance of anakinra in treating post-infectious inflammatory diseases, demonstrating its high efficacy in novel applications such as rheumatic fever and post-viral arthritis. Canakinumab, on the other hand, has provided long-term remission. Both medications were well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects reported. Conclusions: Based on our observations and successful outcomes, we advocate for future collaborative efforts to improve access to anti-IL-1 medications to better manage excessive and harmful inflammation in children.

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