Clinical use of Infliximab in Crohn’s disease: the Edinburgh experience

摘要: Introduction: Infliximab is an established treatment for steroid-resistant and fistulating Crohn’s disease. Although efficacy has been shown in clinical trials, financial implications often limit its use limited data exist regarding practice. Aims: To audit the effectiveness of Infliximab. Methods: We prospectively audited 50 consecutive patients [28 females; median age, 34 years (17–70 years)]. Disease activity response rates were assessed by Harvey–Bradshaw index. Clinical disease collected blood was taken inflammatory markers, complement double-stranded DNA antibodies. Patients received Infliximab at 5 mg/kg followed 12 weeks. Results: Indications refractory 39 patients, six, pyoderma gangrenosum one, pouchitis two coeliac two. Thirty-one (79%) four (66%) responded 4 weeks. Twenty-one (54%) had a continued 12 weeks. Perianal more prevalent non-responders (7/8 vs. 12/31, P < 0.02). Conclusions: Response to our group are comparable those trials. Despite expense, it remains useful adjunct this otherwise difficult patients. with perianal less well cohort.