Published in:
01-06-2007 | Case Report
Infliximab in Takayasu arteritis: a safe alternative?
Published in: Clinical Rheumatology | Issue 6/2007
Login to get accessAbstract
Objective
To test the efficacy of Infliximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against TNF-α, in the treatment of Takayasu arteritis.
Materials and methods
We used infliximab at an initial dose of 3 mg/kg i.v. at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 8 thereafter in combination with methotrexate or azathioprine, to treat four patients with Takayasu arteritis.
Results
Three out of four patients responded to infliximab treatment, while two of them retained the response during a two-year follow up. A higher dose regimen (5 mg/kg), however, was eventually warranted for two of the responders. No major side effects were noted.
Conclusions
Infliximab might be an effective and safe alternative for patients with Takayasu arteritis.