Related Experiment Videos
Infliximab in Takayasu arteritis: a safe alternative?
Zaharenia Th Karageorgaki1, Clio P Mavragani, Matthilde A Papathanasiou
1Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, National University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Objective:
To test the efficacy of Infliximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against TNF-alpha, in the treatment of Takayasu arteritis.
Materials And Methods:
We used infliximab at an initial dose of 3 mg/kg i.v. at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 8 thereafter in combination with methotrexate or azathioprine, to treat four patients with Takayasu arteritis.
Results:
Three out of four patients responded to infliximab treatment, while two of them retained the response during a two-year follow up. A higher dose regimen (5 mg/kg), however, was eventually warranted for two of the responders. No major side effects were noted.
Conclusions:
Infliximab might be an effective and safe alternative for patients with Takayasu arteritis.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Pericarditis III: Medical Management
Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD