Abstract | OBJECTIVES: PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty one consecutive patients with active fistulizing Crohn's disease, in whom previous treatments had failed, were treated with infliximab. All patients received as the initial treatment of 5 mg/kg i.v. infusions (weeks 0, 2, and 6). Those patients who failed to respond after the initial cycle (group 1, n = 25), or those who relapsed after having responded (group 2, n = 13), received retreatment with three similar doses (weeks 0,2, and 6). Those who responded to retreatment were included in a long-term maintenance programme (n = 44), with repeated doses (5 mg/kg i.v. infusions) every eight weeks for 1-2 years. RESULTS: In the initial treatment 56% of the patients responded partially; this response being complete in 44%. In the retreatment, 28% of group 1 (non-responders) presented a complete response, compared to 77% in group 2 (relapsers) (p < 0.0001). In the maintenance treatment, the global response was 88% (39/44). The mean number of doses per patient was 4.4 +/- 2 (range 1-9) with a duration of 36 +/- 12 weeks (range 8-72). Adverse effects were not significantly increased in either treatment. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | L Rodrigo, J M Pérez-Pariente, D Fuentes, V Cadahia, A García-Carbonero, P Niño, R de Francisco, R Tojo, M Moreno, E González-Ballina |
Journal | Revista espanola de enfermedades digestivas : organo oficial de la Sociedad Espanola de Patologia Digestiva
(Rev Esp Enferm Dig)
Vol. 96
Issue 8
Pg. 548-54; 554-8
(Aug 2004)
ISSN: 1130-0108 [Print] Spain |
PMID | 15449986
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
- Gastrointestinal Agents
- Infliximab
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Algorithms
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
(therapeutic use)
- Crohn Disease
(complications, drug therapy)
- Female
- Gastrointestinal Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Humans
- Infliximab
- Intestinal Fistula
(drug therapy, etiology)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Retreatment
- Time Factors
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