Kruithof E, Van den Bosch F, Baeten D, Herssens A, De Keyser F, Mielants H, Veys EM. Repeated infusions of infliximab, a chimeric anti-TNFalpha monoclonal antibody, in patients with active spondyloarthropathy: one year follow up.
Ann Rheum Dis 2002;
61:207-12. [PMID:
11830424 PMCID:
PMC1754032 DOI:
10.1136/ard.61.3.207]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
In a pilot study, the anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha monoclonal antibody, infliximab, induced a rapid and significant improvement in global, peripheral, and axial disease manifestations of patients with active spondyloarthropathy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether repeated infusions of infliximab would effectively and safely maintain the observed effect.
METHODS
Safety and efficacy of a maintenance regimen (5 mg/kg infliximab every 14 weeks) was evaluated using the measurements reported in the pilot study. Of the 21 patients, 19 completed the one year follow up for efficacy; two patients changed to another dosing regimen after week 12 owing to partial lack of efficacy. However, they are still being followed up for safety analysis.
RESULTS
After each re-treatment a sustained significant decrease of all disease manifestations was observed. Before re-treatment, symptoms recurred in 3/19 (16%) at week 20, in 13/19 (68%) at week 34, and in 15/19 (79%) at week 48. No withdrawals due to adverse events occurred. Twelve minor infectious episodes were observed. Twelve patients (57%) developed antinuclear antibodies; in four of them (19%) anti-dsDNA antibodies were detected. However, no lupus-like symptoms occurred.
CONCLUSION
In this open study of infliximab in patients with active spondyloarthropathy, the significant improvement of all disease manifestations was maintained over a one year follow up period without major adverse events. Although recurrence of symptoms was noted in a rising number of patients before each re-treatment, no loss of efficacy was observed after re-treatment.
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