Infliximab in therapy of inflammatory bowels diseases

Introduction. Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody that acts against tumor necrosis factor TNF-α. The drug is used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Aim. This article reviewed the efficacy and safety of infliximab for the treatment in severe ulcerative colitis. This review included studies that evaluated the clinical use of infliximab. Material and methods. This meta-analysis was performed according to systematic literature search of three major bibliographic databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Cochran). Results. Infliximab has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a medicine to treat Leśniowski and Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. However, further trials are required to compare other parameters of efficacy such as the clinical response with infliximab. Conclusion. In patients suffering from Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis under infliximab maintenance therapy, sustained good trough levels are associated with: better response and remission rates, more mucosal healing and less loss of response.