1365-2036/asset/olbannerleft.gif?v=1&s=45db8c78d1d41c404034f2eaf7587620d5727843)
1365-2036/asset/olbannerright.gif?v=1&s=45518840b7e2e59fcc9d74113b13f4474a604878)
A retrospective analysis of the efficacy and safety of infliximab as rescue therapy in acute severe ulcerative colitis
Article first published online: 21 MAY 2007
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2007.03383.x
Additional Information
How to Cite
LEES, C. W., HEYS, D., HO, G. T., NOBLE, C. L., SHAND, A. G., MOWAT, C., BOULTON-JONES, R., WILLIAMS, A., CHURCH, N., SATSANGI, J., ARNOTT, I. D. R. and ON BEHALF OF THE SCOTTISH SOCIETY OF GASTROENTEROLOGY INFLIXIMAB GROUP (2007), A retrospective analysis of the efficacy and safety of infliximab as rescue therapy in acute severe ulcerative colitis. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 26: 411–419. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2007.03383.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 21 MAY 2007
- Article first published online: 21 MAY 2007
- Publication data Submitted 14 March 2007 First decision 9 April 2007 Resubmitted 14 May 2007 Accepted 15 May 2007
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Summary
Background Forty per cent of patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis will not respond to intravenous corticosteroids and require second-line medical therapy or colectomy. A recent controlled trial has suggested that infliximab may be effective as rescue therapy.
Aim To assess the value of infliximab as rescue therapy for acute severe colitis in a retrospective cohort of ulcerative colitis patients in Scotland.
Methods All patients satisfied Truelove and Witts criteria on admission, failed to respond to intravenous corticosteroids and received infliximab (5 mg/kg) as rescue therapy. Response was defined as need for colectomy at hospital discharge and by 90 days.
Results A total of 39 patients (median age 31.7 years) were treated. 26/39 (66%) responded, avoiding colectomy during the acute admission, and were followed up for a median of 203 days (Interquartile range = 135.5–328.5). Hypoalbuminaemia was a consistent predictor of non-response on univariate and multivariate analysis. At day 3 of intravenous steroids, 9/18 (50.0%) with serum albumin <34 g/L had urgent colectomy vs. 1/13 (7.7%) ≥34 g/L (P = 0.02, OR = 12.0, C.I. 1.28–112.7). Two serious adverse events occurred – one death due to Pseudomonas pneumonia, and one post-operative fungal septicaemia.
Conclusions Infliximab represents a moderately effective rescue therapy for patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis. Serious adverse events, including death, do occur and should be discussed with patients prior to therapy.