Clinical efficacy of infliximab in Chinese patients with crohn’s disease: a retrospective study

Background: Infliximab (IFX) is used for the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD). However, there is still controversy on the efficacy and safety of IFX in CD patients. This study aimed to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of IFX in Chinese CD patients. Methods: Clinical data of 26 CD patients (16 males and 10 females) who received IFX treatment were retrospectively analyzed. C reactive protein (CRP) level, Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI) score and clinical remission were examined. Results: Among 26 cases, 19 cases had inflammatory CD while 7 cases had fistulizing CD. At 14th week, CRP level and CDAI score decreased in all 26 patients. In addition, 16 achieved remission and remission rate was 61.5% at 14th week. At the end of follow-up, 14 patients achieved remission and remission rate was 53.9%. Among 7 patients with fistulizing CD, anal fistula was completely closed in 2 cases (28.6%) and partially closed in 5 cases (71.4%). Side effects were observed only in two patients, including one case of acute infusion reaction and one case of bellyache. Conclusion: IFX could control inflammation, relieve syndrome and promote fistula closure in Chinese CD patients. IFX demonstrates good clinical efficacy and safety for CD treatment.