[Infliximab in rheumatoid arthritis-use in a third level hospital]

To study the conditions of infliximab use in rheumatoid arthritis, as well as the effectiveness and adverse effects of this therapy, and to perform an economic assessment of infliximab therapy in a third-level hospital.

A retrospective study was performed including patients treated with infliximab from January 2001 to March 2003.

Twenty-five percent of patients received doses greater than 3 mg/kg, and 12% of them at intervals shorter than 8 weeks; 78% also received methotrexate concurrently. Adverse effects reported were similar in type to those described in the pro-duct's data sheet. Regarding therapy effectiveness, objective para-meters were seen to improve, less so the remaining parameters. Therapy cost was 5.6% of day hospital costs.

Anti-TNF drugs are a relevant alternative in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis because of their effectiveness-safety profile, but understanding their frame of use and following recommendations issued by scientific societies are important considerations.