title: [Infliximab in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis].
abstract: Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody capable of neutralizing human TNF alpha. A number of clinical trials for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) with infliximab indicated that TNF alpha blockade was effective and well tolerated with the excellent results occurring at 3 and 10 mg/kg in combination with methotrexate. Treatment of RA patients with the combination of infliximab and methotrexate also prevented radiographic evidence of progression of joint damage. If the clinical efficacy is sustained and the safety is confirmed over the long term, infliximab may become an essential agent of choice for the treatment of RA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Tohru
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Akahoshi
authors.forename: Hiroyuki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Watabe
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D000069285:Infliximab; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D000069285:Infliximab; D008727:Methotrexate