title: Safety of infliximab in children with IBD: the experience of an academic center in WV.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The immune-modulating drug, infliximab, is approved for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) treatment in children. Chronic therapy with infliximab is associated with the development of early and delayed infusion reactions. We reviewed our experience with infliximab treatment and its side effects in a cohort of children diagnosed with IBD who were treated in our clinic.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective analysis of all IBD children treated with infliximab in our center from 2006-2011 was performed. The demographic, chronological and clinical data were recorded. The infiximab infusion was given at 5mg/ kg according to a standard protocol after pre-treatment with low dose steroid and diphenhydramine.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 30 IBD patients (23 CD/7 UC) receiving 454 infusions (341 CD/113 UC), six (20%) patients experienced early infusion reactions. Two (6.7%) patients had a delayed reaction; of those, both required intestinal resection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study is the first to address the safety of infliximab infusion reactions in children in the state of WV. Our results lend support to the use and safety of infliximab in children with moderate to severe IBD.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Northcutt
authors.forename: Awni
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Al-Subu
authors.forename: Brooke
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bella
authors.forename: Yoram
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Elitsur
mesh_terms: D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D000293:Adolescent; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000069285:Infliximab; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014903:West Virginia
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000069285:Infliximab