[Clinical experience with the use of infliximab in 44 patients with Crohn's disease].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of infliximab in the treatment of patients with active Crohn's disease or with fistulas.


METHODS
Forty four patients with Crohn's disease, resistant to conventional therapies, were treated with 5 mg/kg endovenous infliximab infusions.


RESULTS
Thirty of them (68.2%) improved, with important reduction on disease activity levels, measured by the CDAI (Crohn's Disease Activity Index). Eight (57.1%) of 14 patients with fistulas also showed good results, with closure or important reduction in their flow. The drug was well tolerated in all cases.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of infliximab in these cases seems to be a good therapeutic option, with low rates of side effects.
Steinwurz
Flavio
F
Hospital Israelita Albert Eisntein e no Hospitl Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. steinwu@attglobal.net
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D000069285:Infliximab; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D000069285:Infliximab