Abstract
Biological therapy represents the most important progress in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases over the last twenty years. In the clinical practice, biological therapy means apllication of antibodies against soluble or membrane-bound receptors of the tumor necrosis factor alpha.
The indications for biological therapy have substantially extended over the last few years. Currently, biological therapy is mainly used as the second or third line therapy in those patients who had already failed to improve on a stanbdard therapy.
Biological therapy has been introduced two years ago in children with IBD. Adverse effects of biological theraoy are infrequent but might be potentially dangerous.
Intensive surveillance of all patients on biological treatment is imperative and suitable screening procedures to minimize potential risks are recommended.