Biologic therapies of Takayasu arteritis in children / 国际儿科学杂志

ABSTRACT

Takayasu arteritis is a a rare, chronic large-vessel vasculitis that predominantly affects aorta, its major branches and the pulmonary arteries; it is the most common, granulomatous inflammation of large arteries in children.It induces a variety of nonspecific inflammatory symptoms and ischemic symptoms due to stenotic lesions.Recent advances in imaging modalities including magnetic resonance angiography, computed tomography(CT), sonography, and fluorodeoxy glucose positron emission tomography/CT(FDG-PET/CT)allow accurate diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis and shorter duration between onset of the disease and diagnosis.Medical treatment for Takayasu arteritis is also changing.In addition to the traditional glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, many new biological agents such as TNF-α antagonists and tocilizumab are being applied to patients with Takayasu arteritis refractory to conventional treatment with favorable results.This review critically discusses recent advances in medical management of Takayasu arteritis, with a special focus on the rationale and evidence to support the use of biologic agents in this disease.