Infliximab in Takayasu arteritis: a safe alternative?
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.
Karageorgaki
Zaharenia Th
ZT
Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, National University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Mavragani
Clio P
CP
Papathanasiou
Matthilde A
MA
Skopouli
Fotini N
FN
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*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000069285:Infliximab