Safety and effectiveness of infliximab for inflammatory bowel diseases in clinical practice

A. Tursi*^, W. Elisei°, G. Brandimarte°, G. Giorgetti§, A. Penna*, V. Castrignano*

*Division of Gastroenterology, “Michele Sarcone” Hospital, Terlizzi, Bari (Italy) ^Digestive Endoscopy Unit, “Lorenzo Bonomo” Hospital, Andria, Bari (Italy) °Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, “Cristo Re” Hospital, Rome (Italy) §Clinical Nutrition Unit, “S. Eugenio” Hospital, Rome (Italy)

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• Gastroenterology

Abstract. – Background and Objectives: Our aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of infliximab (IFX) in clinical practice in three Primary Care, Hospital Centers.
Material and Methods: From September 2004 to December 2008 62 patients (28 males, 34 females, mean age 30.25 years, range 15-55 years), affected by ulcerative colitis (UC) (23 pts) or by Crohn’s disease (CD) (39 patients) were treated. Clinical efficacy, safety, mucosal healing and quality of life were assessed both in UC and CD.
Results: A total of 746 infusions were performed. IFX was administered for a mean of 26 months (range 8-44 months). 33/39 (84.61%) pts with CD were in remission under treatment with IFX for a mean time of 19 months (range 12-44 months). Mean Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) score decreased from 295 (range 258-346) to 136 (range 98-136) (p Conclusions: Long-term outpatients treatment with IFX seems to be safe and effective in managing patients affected by IBD in clinical practice.

Corresponding Author: Antonio Tursi, MD; e-mail: antotursi@tiscali.it