title: Infliximab as disease-modifying therapy.
abstract: Recent insights in the pathophysiology of Crohn's disease have revealed that tumour necrosis factor (TNF) plays a pivotal role in mucosal inflammation. Infliximab is a chimeric anti-TNF monoclonal antibody with potent anti-inflammatory effects, probably based on apoptosis of inflammatory cells. Numerous controlled trials have demonstrated efficacy in both active and fistulating Crohn's disease. Appropriate indications for using infliximab and growing experience with safety aspects have made this treatment a highly valuable tool in the management of Crohn's disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium. geert.dhaens@uz.kuleuven.ac.be
authors.forename: Geert R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: D'Haens
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069285:Infliximab; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000069285:Infliximab