title: Infliximab in Takayasu arteritis: a safe alternative?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To test the efficacy of Infliximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against TNF-alpha, in the treatment of Takayasu arteritis.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used infliximab at an initial dose of 3 mg/kg i.v. at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 8 thereafter in combination with methotrexate or azathioprine, to treat four patients with Takayasu arteritis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three out of four patients responded to infliximab treatment, while two of them retained the response during a two-year follow up. A higher dose regimen (5 mg/kg), however, was eventually warranted for two of the responders. No major side effects were noted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Infliximab might be an effective and safe alternative for patients with Takayasu arteritis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, National University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Zaharenia Th
authors.initials: ZT
authors.lastname: Karageorgaki
authors.forename: Clio P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Mavragani
authors.forename: Matthilde A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Papathanasiou
authors.forename: Fotini N
authors.initials: FN
authors.lastname: Skopouli
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D000069285:Infliximab; D013625:Takayasu Arteritis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000069285:Infliximab