| Abstract | BACKGROUND AND AIM OF WORK: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) appears to be an important cytokine in the inflammation of sarcoidosis. Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody which specifically inhibits TNF-alpha. We investigated the efficacy of infliximab for the therapy of chronic, resistant sarcoidosis. METHODS: Patients with persistent symptomatic sarcoidosis despite corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents were selected for treatment with infliximab. Patients were treated initially and at 2, 4, and 12 weeks with 5 mg/kg of infliximab at each treatment. Index lesions, which had progressed despite corticosteroid therapy, were reevaluated at 16 weeks. RESULTS: Three patients were treated. In two patients, the index lesion was lupus pernio, which significantly improved with infliximab. The third patient had restrictive lung disease. At week 16, there was a 26% improvement in the vital capacity from pretreatment values. All patients tolerated the treatments well. CONCLUSIONS: Infliximab was associated with significant improvement in chronic sarcoidosis. |
| Authors | R P Baughman, E E Lower
(Affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, OH, USA. bob.baughman at uc.edu)
|
| Journal | Sarcoidosis, vasculitis, and diffuse lung diseases : official journal of WASOG / World Association of Sarcoidosis and Other Granulomatous Disorders
(Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis)
Vol. 18
Issue 1
Pg. 70-4
(Mar 2001)
ISSN: 1124-0490 Italy |
| PMID | 11354550
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
|
| Chemical References |
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
- infliximab
|
| Topics |
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
(pharmacology)
- Chronic Disease
- Drug Resistance
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Recurrence
- Respiratory Function Tests
- Sarcoidosis
(drug therapy, pathology)
- Treatment Outcome
|
