title: Infliximab treatment of sarcoidosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether there is sufficient evidence in the literature to support the use of infliximab in the treatment of sarcoidosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966-August 2002), OVID (2001-January 2003), and bibliographic searches. Additional databases were also searched. Published literature relevant to the use of infliximab in the treatment of sarcoidosis was evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In theory, tumor-necrosis factor-alpha blockade appears to be an optimal strategy for treating sarcoidosis. Case series reporting the use of infliximab in refractory sarcoidosis was reviewed to evaluate its potential role as a treatment option.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although there is insufficient evidence suggesting that infliximab is an appropriate alternative to conventional treatment options as first-line therapy for sarcoidosis, the preliminary outlook on its use in treatment-refractory cases is promising.
authors.affiliation: St. John's University, 164-40 95 St., Howard Beach, NY 11414-3704, USA. condram@msn.com
authors.forename: Ryan N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Serio
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D000069285:Infliximab; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000069285:Infliximab