Korean J Gastroenterol.  2004 Nov;44(5):259-266.

Effect of Infliximab in the Treatment of Refractory Inflammatory Bowel Disease with Complication

• Lee KM
• Kim JS
• Shin DH
• Cheong JY
• Yoo BM
• Kim JK
• Lee KJ
• Hahm KB
• Kim JH
• Cho SW

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Many studies on infliximab have confirmed its efficacy in the remission induction and even maintenance in refractory and fistulizing Crohn's disease. We report the treatment efficacy of infliximab in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis refractory to steroid treatment and the complications of infliximab treatment. METHODS: We performed infliximab administration in 5 cases (3 Crohn's disease, 2 ulcerative colitis) refractory to systemic steroid treatment and 5 cases of Crohn's disease with fistula. Patients received an intravenous infusion of infliximab at 3-5 mg/kg body weight. RESULTS: In 3 cases of refractory Crohn's patients, clinical response and remission induction were obtained in 2 (67%) and 1 cases (33%). After infusion of infliximab, the occlusion of internal fistula could be found in all 2 cases. Two out of 3 cases of anal fistula were completely healed. In two cases of refractory ulcerative colitis, one case who showed clinical manifestation of toxic megacolon had improved and avoided the colectomy, but the other case did not respond to the infusion of infliximab and underwent colon resection. CONCLUSIONS: We found that administration of infliximab is an effective alternative for refractory and fistulizing Crohn's disease but further studies are necessary for refractory ulcerative colitis.

Keyword

Infliximab; Crohn's disease; Ulcerative colitis; Refractory

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Adult
Antibodies, Monoclonal/*therapeutic use
Colitis, Ulcerative/complications/*drug therapy
Crohn Disease/complications/*drug therapy
English Abstract
Female
Gastrointestinal Agents/*therapeutic use
Humans
Intestinal Fistula/complications
Male
Middle Aged
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha