Infliximab for refractory ulcerative colitis or indeterminate colitis: an open‐label multicentre study

• Published in: Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics 2003-07, Vol.18 (2), p.175-181
• Main Authors: 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.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Antibodies, Monoclonal - therapeutic use; Biological and medical sciences; Chronic Disease; Cohort Studies; Colectomy; Colitis - drug therapy; Colitis, Ulcerative - drug therapy; Female; Gastrointestinal Agents - therapeutic use; Humans; Infliximab; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Recurrence; Remission Induction; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0269-2813; 1365-2036
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01686.x

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.