title: Infliximab in the treatment of severe ulcerative colitis: a follow-up study.
abstract: Conventional treatment options for patients with severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) include intravenous cyclosporine, which is frequently burdened by toxicity, or colectomy. Preliminary data suggest a benefit of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (Infliximab) therapy in patients with steroid refractory UC. Thirteen patients with severe UC, refractory to therapy with methyl-prednisolone, 60 mg IV daily were treated with a single intravenous infusion of Infliximab 5 mg/kg. Ten out of 13 patients (77%) had a clinical response to therapy defined by a CAI < or = 10 on two consecutive days. Two patients (15%) underwent total colectomy because of clinical worsening; one patient refused surgery and was lost to follow-up. Infusion with Infliximab produced no significant adverse events. The mean time of follow-up was 25.6 months (range 17-24); in this period of time 8 out of 10 patients (80%) maintained clinical remission and were able to discontinue corticosteroids therapy. Infliximab appears to be an effective agent for inducing long standing remission in refractory patients with severe UC.
authors.affiliation: Azienda Ospedaliera S Camillo-Forlanini - Roma (Italy).
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kohn
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Prantera
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pera
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cosintino
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sostegni
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Daperno
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D000069285:Infliximab; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D000069285:Infliximab; D008775:Methylprednisolone