Infliximab to treat severe ulcerative colitis.
A 48-year-old female with severe ulcerative colitis refractory to conventional therapy was referred to our facility for management. The patient showed extensive ulcerative colitis since the age of 20 years and had failed therapy with 5-aminosalicylic acid agents and azathioprine. The disease remained active despite treatment with steroids and cyclosporine. The clinical and endoscopic parameters were consistent with severe disease. Infectious precipitants were ruled out. Given the severity of the disease and in order to avoid a colectomy, we started the patient on infliximab therapy. A dramatic clinical and endoscopic response was observed and she remained in remission at the end of a 1-year follow-up period. We discuss findings in the literature regarding the use of infliximab therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis who have failed steroids and cyclosporine.
Department of Gastroenterology, Federal University of São Paulo, rua Botucatu 740, São Paulo, SP 04023-900, Brazil. didia_cury@uol.com.br
Dídia Bisamra
DB
Cury
Marcelo de Souza
Mde S
Cury
Geraldo Vinicius Hemerly
GV
Elias
Sender Jankiel
SJ
Mizsputen
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069285:Infliximab; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine; D000069285:Infliximab; D001379:Azathioprine