Infliximab in severe ulcerative colitis: short-term results of different infusion regimens and long-term follow-up

摘要: Background Severe ulcerative colitis is a life-threatening disorder, despite i.v. glucocorticoids treatment. Infliximab has been proposed as safe rescue therapy. Aim To evaluate short- and long-term effectiveness safety of infliximab in severe refractory colitis. Methods Eighty-three patients with (i.v. treatment-refractory) were treated 10 Italian Gastroenterology Units. Patients underwent one or more infusions according to the choice treating physicians. Short-term outcome was colectomy/death 2 months after first infusion. Long-term survival free from colectomy. Safety data recorded. Results Twelve (15%) colectomy within months. One died Legionella pneumophila infection 12 days infliximab. Early rates higher receiving infusion (9/26), compared those two/more (3/57, P = 0.001, OR 9.53). Seventy who survived did not experience any fatal complications followed-up for median time 23 months; 58 avoided during follow-up. Forty-two maintained on immunosuppressive drugs. No clinical features associated outcomes. Conclusions an effective relatively therapy avoid maintain remission In short term, two seem be than single