Infliximab as rescue therapy in severe to moderately severe ulcerative colitis: a randomized, placebo-controlled study

Gastroenterology. 2005 Jun;128(7):1805-11. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2005.03.003.

Abstract

Background & aims: Despite treatment with corticosteroids, severe to moderately severe attacks of ulcerative colitis have a high colectomy rate. We intended to find a rescue therapy other than cyclosporin A, which imposes a high risk of side effects and cyclosporine-related mortality.

Methods: This was a randomized double-blind trial of infliximab or placebo in severe to moderately severe ulcerative colitis not responding to conventional treatment. Patients were randomized to infliximab/placebo either on day 4 after the initiation of corticosteroid treatment if they fulfilled the index criteria for fulminant ulcerative colitis on day 3 or on day 6-8 if they fulfilled index criteria on day 5-7 for a severe or moderately severe acute attack of ulcerative colitis. Results were analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle. The primary end point was colectomy or death 3 months after randomization. Secondary end points were clinical and endoscopic remission at that time in patients who did not undergo operation.

Results: Forty-five patients were included (24 infliximab and 21 placebo). No patient died. Seven patients in the infliximab group and 14 in the placebo group had a colectomy (P = .017; odds ratio, 4.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-17) within 3 months after randomization. No serious side effects occurred. Three patients in the placebo group required operation for septic complications.

Conclusions: Infliximab 4-5 mg/kg is an effective and safe rescue therapy in patients experiencing an acute severe or moderately severe attack of ulcerative colitis not responding to conventional treatment.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / drug therapy*
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / pathology
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Resistance
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / administration & dosage
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / adverse effects
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Gastrointestinal Agents
  • Infliximab