Infliximab as a novel therapy for pediatric ulcerative colitis.

Objectives: The role of infliximab (anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha antibody) therapy in ulcerative colitis (UC) is not well defined. There are only two reports published describing its use in UC. The authors describe their experience with open-label use of infliximab in children with moderate to severe UC.

Methods: The authors collected data on all consecutive pediatric patients with UC who received infliximab at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia until July 2001. The primary measured outcome was clinical response at 2 days and 2 weeks after infliximab infusion, as measured by the Lichtiger colitis activity index (LCAI) score and the Physician Global Assessment (PGA). Tolerance of the infusions and adverse events were recorded.

Results: Nine patients qualified for clinical response analysis. The median Lichtiger colitis activity index score decreased from 11 before the infusion to 1 at 2 days and 2 weeks after the infusion, respectively (P = 0.01 for 2 days and 2 weeks). Seven of nine (77%) patients had decreased activity of their disease measured by the Physician Global Assessment. Corticosteroid therapy was discontinued in six (66%) patients. An infusion reaction developed (generalized pruritus and facial flushing) in two patients and an elevated anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) titer of 1:1280 developed in one patient.

Conclusion: Infliximab is associated with short-term clinical improvement in children and adolescents with moderate to severe UC.