Infliximab in clinical routine: experience with XXXX and biomarkers of inflammation over 5 years.

@entity1 @entity3542 @entity2822 @entity1011 @entity375 @entity30 @entity1851
INTRODUCTION: Infliximab was launched for the treatment of @entity30 ( @entity30 ) in 1999. We set up a follow-up protocol to meticulously study disease development with repeated infusions of infliximab. AIM: To follow the effects of infliximab treatment on disease activity, blood chemistry, quality of life, plasma @entity3542 , and titers of @entity375 cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA). METHODS: During 1999-2008, @entity30 @entity1 were monitored for disease activity by Harvey-Bradshaw index, blood chemistry with hemoglobin, albumin, @entity1851 , platelet count, leukocyte count and @entity1011 , quality of life by the Short Health Scale, and plasma @entity3542 . During the first year of treatment, follow-up was done repeatedly before and 1 week after each infusion and thereafter every year before the last infusion for 5 years. ASCA was analyzed by flow cytometry with @entity2822 -labelled antibodies. RESULTS: A total of 1061 infusions were given to 103 @entity1 ; 92 responders and 11 nonresponders. Responders were further monitored and Harvey-Bradshaw index decreased with infusions during the first year of treatment (P < 0.0001), whereas hemoglobin (P < 0.01) and albumin (P <0.001) increased, @entity1851 (P < 0.01) decreased, platelets (P <0.001) increased, and leukocytes (P< 0.01) decreased. @entity1011 was not affected. Short Health Scale (questions analyzed separately) decreased (P < 0.0001), and @entity3542 (P < 0.001) increased. During the next 4 years the improved values remained stable. Adverse effects were noted among 32% of the @entity1 ; local circulatory reactions being most common. No correlation between ASCA titers and inflammatory activity or infliximab treatment was found. CONCLUSION: Infliximab treatment is highly effective in responders and maintains symptomatic improvement and low inflammatory activity over years in @entity30 @entity1 .
