[Infliximab therapy in ulcerative colitis: initial experience in two referral centers].
OBJECTIVE
To perform a descriptive analysis of our experience with infliximab in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC).


METHODS
We performed a retrospective, observational study of all patients with UC treated with infliximab and with criteria of corticosteroid resistance or dependence in two referral hospitals. The medical records of all patients treated with infliximab to December 2006 were reviewed, following the GETECCU Guidelines. Lennard-Jones and Montreal criteria were used for diagnosis and classification, respectively. Activity was defined according to Truelove-Witts criteria. Response was evaluated at 8 weeks, although most of the patients were followed-up for more than 30 weeks.


RESULTS
Nineteen patients (15 steroid-dependent and four severe, steroid-resistant) were included. Of the 15 steroid-dependent patients, response to infliximab was observed in 13 (86%; 95% IC, 56-98) and complete remission was achieved in nine (60%; 32-83.7); colectomy was performed in one patient. Remission was achieved in two out of four severe, steroid-resistant patients and the remaining two patients were colectomized. Only one serious adverse event (Pseudomonas aeruginosa cavitary pneumonia) was observed in one patient, who was also receiving azathioprine and prednisone.


CONCLUSIONS
This short-term experience suggests that infliximab can be useful in some UC patients. However, the therapeutic role of this drug should be defined more precisely in further studies.
Díez
Marcos
M
Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, España.
Sánchez
Elena
E
García López
Santiago
S
Arroyo
María Teresa
MT
Gomollón
Fernando
F
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000069285:Infliximab; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000069285:Infliximab