Conception of National Biologics Registry for Pediatric Rheumatology: Need of the Hour and the Way Forward.

ABSTRACT

The outcome for children with rheumatic diseases has been dramatically altered by the use of biological therapies. Increasing use of these agents will need careful monitoring for long term safety, particularly in children. Current data on safety of these drugs stem exclusively from Western literature. There is clear need for a registry of all children with rheumatic diseases who are commenced on biological agents to ensure appropriate pharmacovigilance. In this perspective, we discuss the need for and the role of a biologics registry for children with rheumatic diseases in India.