[Infliximab in the treatment of patients with Crohn's disease: preliminary report]

Abstract

Background: Tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6 and 1 have a pathogenic role in Crohn's disease. Infliximab, a monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor, is useful in the treatment of Crohn's disease, specially when the disease is active and associated to fistula formation.

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of Infliximab in patients with Crohn's disease.

Material and methods: Twelve patients with Crohn's disease (aged 16 to 63 years, 10 women) refractory to treatment with steroid, 5-aminosalicylic acid, antimicrobials and immunomodulatory drugs, were studied. A single intravenous 5 mg/kg dose Infliximab was administered. The Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) was measured before and one week after the administration of the drug.

Results: CDAI before and after Infliximab administration was 357+/-62 and 138+/-122 score points, respectively (p <0.005). According to this score, five patients had a severe and seven a moderate disease flare. The disease remitted in 7 (58%) and a clinical response was observed in 75%.

Conclusions: A single dose of Infliximab was effective to induce remission of the disease in 75% of this selected group of patients with Crohn's disease.