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  • Title: [Long-term outcome of infliximab therapy in pediatric Crohn disease].
    Author: Wanty C, Stephenne X, Sokal E, Smets F.
    Journal: Arch Pediatr; 2011 Aug; 18(8):863-9. PubMed ID: 21723101.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: The efficacy of infliximab (IFX) in inducing and maintaining remission in pediatric Crohn disease is currently well documented. However, the optimal treatment strategy beyond 1 year has not been established. In particular, systematic continuation of maintenance therapy and its association with immunomodulators have not yet been analyzed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the long-term outcome of pediatric Crohn disease patients on IFX therapy and to evaluate the clinical response to the therapy and the effect on growth. METHODS: A single-center and retrospective chart review was conducted. The clinical maintenance response to treatment, effect on the linear growth, and long-term outcome were examined. These parameters were analyzed according to the age of the patients, duration and localization of the disease, as well as associated therapies. RESULTS: We identified 52 children with Crohn disease younger than 16 years of age at the time of diagnosis. Of these patients, 20 (38%) received a biologic therapy at a mean age of 13.9±2 years. Fifteen patients received IFX therapy and 13 (86%) were in clinical remission 10 weeks after the first infusion. Among the responders, 82% were still in remission after 1 year of therapy and 66% after 2 years. Among patients treated for more than 1 year, we observed IFX dependency in 89%. Thirty-eight percent of patients with initial IFX response showed a loss of response after a median of 30 months (range, 3-42 months). At 2 years, the median Z score for height among patients with presumed growth potential had improved slightly, from -0.7 to -0.55 DS. No serious adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm the continuous efficacy of IFX in pediatric Crohn disease patients after 1 year of treatment. However, a high level of dependency was observed (89 %). A slight beneficial effect on growth was observed after 2 years of treatment.
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