The aim of this study was to analyze the short- and long-term outcomes of infliximab (IFX) treatment to cure steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) and related prognostic factors.
Retrospective data were collected from 125 patients with steroid-refractory UC who received IFX treatment at our center from July 2005 to November 2013. The Lichtiger clinical activity index score was calculated at baseline, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 1 year, and the cumulative non-colectomy rate following IFX administration was estimated. Remission rate prognostic factors and the cumulative colectomy rate prognostic factors were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis, respectively.
Remission rates at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 1 year were 46, 58, and 45%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative non-colectomy rates were 80, 78, and 75%, respectively. Previous treatment with calcineurin inhibitors was a significant prognostic factor for lower remission and cumulative non-colectomy rates, whereas concomitant immunomodulators was a significant prognostic factor for the higher remission rate. Gender (female) was a prognostic factor for higher remission rate at 1 year and higher cumulative non-colectomy rate.
This study revealed good short- and long-term outcomes of IFX treatment in patients with steroid-refractory UC. Previous treatment with calcineurin inhibitors was a prognostic factor for poor outcomes of IFX treatment, whereas concomitant immunomodulators and gender (female) were prognostic factors for good outcomes.