Published in:
01-01-2014 | Original Article
Infliximab in patients with severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis: Indian experience
Published in: Indian Journal of Gastroenterology | Issue 1/2014
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Introduction
The role of infliximab in the treatment of acute severe ulcerative colitis is established. However, all the data available in the literature are from western countries. This is the first report on the use of infliximab in patients with severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis from India.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of 28 patients who had received infliximab therapy for induction of remission, with three doses of 5 mg/kg at 0, 2, and 6 weeks, was performed.
Results
Twenty-four (85.6 %) patients had shown a clinical response by week 8 and, hence, avoided urgent colectomy. In 2 years of follow up, 9/16 (56 %) patients had not required colectomy.
Conclusion
Infliximab averted colectomy in a proportion of patients with severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis.