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Infliximab for refractory ulcerative colitis or indeterminate colitis: an open‐label multicentre study
Author(s) -
Gornet J.M.,
Couve S.,
Hassani Z.,
Delchier J.C.,
Marteau P.,
Cosnes J.,
Bouhnik Y.,
Dupas J.L.,
Modigliani R.,
Taillard F.,
Lemann M.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01686.x
Subject(s) - medicine , infliximab , ulcerative colitis , colectomy , gastroenterology , colitis , refractory (planetary science) , concomitant , surgery , disease , physics , astrobiology
Summary Background : The efficacy of infliximab in ulcerative colitis (UC) and indeterminate colitis has been poorly assessed and preliminary results are conflicting. Methods : The records of 30 patients treated with infliximab for ulcerative colitis ( n = 19) or indeterminate colitis ( n = 11) were reviewed. Infliximab was given because of steroid resistance ( n = 18), dependence ( n = 5) or intolerance ( n = 7); five patients had failed on cyclosporin; 19 patients had a severe flare‐up. Results : Median duration of follow‐up was 10 months. In 28 patients with active disease, the response rate was 75% at day 7, with 43% having a complete remission, and 50% at month 1, with 32% having a complete remission. Among the 22 responders, the probability of relapse was 73% at month 6. The probability of complete remission without steroids, taking into account the re‐treatment for relapse ( n = 11), was 57% (95% confidence interval (CI): 45% to 69%) at month 6. The probability of colectomy was 33% (95% CI: 23% to 43%) at month 12. In indeterminate colitis, response rate was only 50% at day 7 and 30% at month 1. Concomitant use of antimetabolite agents was associated with better results. Conclusions : Infliximab was able to induce a rapid response in some patients with UC or indeterminate colitis refractory to conventional treatment. Long‐term results were less favourable, with frequent relapses, and about one‐third of the patients required a colectomy.