Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2004; 8 (5): 235-237

Infliximab in the treatment of severe ulcerative colitis: a follow-up study

A. Kohn, C. Prantera, A. Pera*, R. Cosintino, R. Sostegni*, M. Daperno*

Division of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliera S. Camillo-Forlanini – Rome (Italy)
* Department of Gastroenterology, Ospedale Mauriziano “Umberto I” – Turin (Italy)


Abstract. – Conventional treatment options for patients with severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) include intravenous cyclosporine, which is frequently burdened by toxicity, or colectomy. Preliminary data suggest a benefit of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (Infliximab) therapy in patients with steroid refractory UC. Thirteen patients with severe UC, refractory to therapy with methyl-prednisolone, 60 mg IV daily were treated with a single intravenous infusion of Infliximab 5 mg/kg. Ten out of 13 patients (77%) had a clinical response to therapy defined by a CAI <= 10 on two consecutive days. Two patients (15%) underwent total colectomy because of clinical worsening; one patient refused surgery and was lost to follow-up. Infusion with Infliximab produced no significant adverse events. The mean time of follow-up was 25.6 months (range 17-24); in this period of time 8 out of 10 patients (80%) maintained clinical remission and were able to discontinue corticosteroids therapy. Infliximab appears to be an effective agent for inducing long standing remission in refractory patients with severe UC.

To cite this article

A. Kohn, C. Prantera, A. Pera*, R. Cosintino, R. Sostegni*, M. Daperno*
Infliximab in the treatment of severe ulcerative colitis: a follow-up study

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci
Year: 2004
Vol. 8 - N. 5
Pages: 235-237