Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha monoclonal antibody therapy in severe alcoholic hepatitis.

Background/aims: Severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is associated with high mortality. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) has been demonstrated to play an important role in its pathophysiology.

Methods: Twelve patients with biopsy-confirmed AH and a Maddrey discriminant factor >32 were treated with a single infusion of the anti-TNF monoclonal antibody Infliximab at a dose of 5mg/kg body weight.