Tolerance of immunosuppressants to child with illness of system

Abstract

Introduction: Children suffering from systemic disease often encounter periods of pain and disability requiring immunosuppressants. The purpose of the study was to identify the side effects of immunosuppressive therapies in children from 0 to 14 years old with systemic diseases. Population and Methods: Retrospective study including all children admitted to Béchir Hamza children's hospital for systemic illness during June 2000-June 2014 who had received immunosuppressive therapy other than long-term corticosteroids. Results: Among 180 identified patients, 68 children (37.7%) received immunosuppressive therapy. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was the most common pathology (52%). Methotrexate was the most used molecule (59.5%). Serious side effects occurred in 25.8% of cases. Conclusion: Immunosuppressive side effects affect one child out of five treated, they are serious in 26% of cases.