FRI0060 Successful treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis with chimeric monoclonal antibody to tumour necrosis factor (infliximab): an open study

Abstract

Background Infliximab is a chimeric anti-tumour necrosis factor α (anti-TNFα) monoclonal IgG1 antibody, neutralising the soluble cytokine and blocking the membrane bound cytokine that is used successfully for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) not controlled with other disease modified anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Objectives The clinical evaluation of infliximab in the treatment of active RA. Methods Twenty-four (24) patients (pts) with active RA (20 women and 4 men), mean age 46.4 ± 10.17 (years), and mean disease duration 9.9 ± 7.77 (years) received infliximab in a combination with Methotrexate 10 mg/week and Prednizolone 7.5–10 mg/day in an open unrandomized trial. Thirteen (13) pts completed three months therapy with infliximab and 11 pts six months. Infliximab was given at a dose of 3 mg/kg of body weight at week 0, 2 and 6 of treatment protocol and then every 8 weeks. All these pts had received combination therapy with DMARDs for more than three months, before enrolling in the study, without sufficient improvement. Active RA was defined by 10 or more swollen joints (10.9 ± 4.7), 12 or more tender joints (13.4 ± 5.11), ESR >28 mm (48.0 ± 19.23 mm) and C-reactive protein >5.0 mg/dl (37.4 ± 12.69 mg/dl). A statistical analysis was done after the third and sixth month of treatment. Results At three months, the number of swollen joints was reduced to 3.3 ± 2.73 (p Conclusion The initiation of infliximab therapy in patients with active RA resulted in a fast and significant improvement of peripheral articular manifestations and quality of life. Even though major adverse events were not reported, the clinicians should be aware of this possibility.