Infliximab in the treatment of Crohn’s disease

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Authors: Gilberto Poggioli, Silvio Laureti, Massimo Campieri, Filippo Pierangeli, Paolo Gionchetti, et al

Published Date May 2007 Volume 2007:3(2) Pages 301 - 308

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/TCRM.S

Gilberto Poggioli, Silvio Laureti, Massimo Campieri*, Filippo Pierangeli, Paolo Gionchetti*, Federica Ugolini, Lorenzo Gentilini, Piero Bazzi, Fernando Rizzello*, Maurizio Coscia

General Surgery Department; Policlinico S. Orsola; University of Bologna, Italy; *Internal Medicine Department; Policlinico S. Orsola; University of Bologna, Italy

Abstract: The recent introduction of infliximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor-α, has greatly modified the treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD). Data from the literature show encouraging results after intravenous infusion both for closure of intestinal or perianal fistulas and for induction and maintenance of remission in patients with moderate to severe intestinal disease unresponsive to other treatments. However, some contraindications such as fibrostenosing CD and sepsis have been identified. In addition, the data on long-term outcomes and safety is still limited. Our initial experience showed that in selected cases local injection of infliximab is effective in the treatment of complex perianal disease offering the possibility of using such treatment even in small bowel obstructing disease with minimal systemic effects. This paper analyzes the state of the use of both intravenous and local injection of infliximab in patients with CD.

Keywords: infliximab, Crohn’s disease, perianal fistulas, local injection