[Infliximab in inflammatory bowel diseases--conference summary and suggested guidelines]

Infliximab, the monoclonal anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) antibodies preparation, is efficacious in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. However, the optimal therapeutic approach is still under investigation. Reports on side effects and potential complications of infliximab therapy, as well as of other anti-TNF-alpha blocking agents are accumulating. Hence, the Israeli Gastroenterological Association had initiated a conference in order to discuss the frequent clinical issues that have arisen following the use of infliximab for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. The aim was to report on the published clinical experience and problems regarding several practical aspects of the use of Infliximab, to suggest guidelines that are evidence-based and to discuss them with experienced IBD-oriented gastroenterologists. The subjects that were discussed include: (1) treatment protocols; (2) maintenance therapy in Crohn's disease; (3) prevention of infections and (4) therapeutic potential in ulcerative colitis. These topics reflect everyday issues that gastroenterologists deal with while treating inflammatory bowel disease patients. The manuscript summarizes the literature and evidence that were presented in the conference, the points raised at the discussions as well as guidelines suggested by work groups that were established for each subject. These guidelines may assist and direct the gastroenterologist treating inflammatory bowel disease patients with infliximab.