Clinical Report: Comparative Infection Risks Associated with Infliximab and Adalimumab in Pediatric IBD

Overview

This study compares the risk of infections associated with infliximab and adalimumab in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using two nationwide US commercial claims databases.

Background

The increasing prevalence of pediatric IBD necessitates a thorough understanding of the risks associated with biologic therapies. Infliximab and adalimumab are the first biologics approved for children with IBD, yet their comparative safety regarding infection risks remains inadequately studied.

Data Highlights

No specific numerical data was provided in the source material.

Key Findings

• Infliximab and adalimumab are both first-line biologic therapies for pediatric IBD.
• Children with IBD have a higher rate of serious infections compared to the general pediatric population.
• No head-to-head trials have been conducted to compare the safety of infliximab and adalimumab in children.
• Current guidelines recommend both therapies, but comparative safety data is lacking.
• Infections are a major safety concern in the pediatric IBD population.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential infection risks associated with both infliximab and adalimumab in pediatric patients.

Conclusion

This study compares the infection risks of infliximab and adalimumab in pediatric IBD patients.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Safety evaluation of subcutaneous and intravenous administration of infliximab: a real-world study based on the FAERS database
2. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis -- Subcutaneous Infliximab Cutoff Points in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Data From the ENEIDA Registry
3. Drug Safety -- Pregnancy Outcomes Following Infliximab Exposure: Insights from Post-Marketing Surveillance
4. Frontiers in Pediatrics -- Incidence of Clostridium difficile infection and enteric pathogens in children with inflammatory bowel disease presenting with disease exacerbation
5. New ECCO Guidelines on Opportunistic Infections in IBD – 2025 Update - ECCO - European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation
6. Safety of infliximab and adalimumab in pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases: a disproportionality analysis from the FAERS database | BMC Gastroenterology
7. Long-term Efficacy and Safety of Adalimumab in Pediatric Patients with Crohn's Disease - PMC
8. New ECCO Guidelines on Opportunistic Infections in IBD – 2025 Update - ECCO - European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation
9. Safety of infliximab and adalimumab in pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases: a disproportionality analysis from the FAERS database | BMC Gastroenterology | Springer Nature Link
10. Long-term Efficacy and Safety of Adalimumab in Pediatric Patients with Crohn's Disease - PMC