Evaluation of the infliximab therapy of severe form of pediatric Crohn's disease in Poland: Retrospective, multicenter studies

Background. Registration of infliximab in Poland has increased chances to induce clinical remission and mucosal healing in the severe form of pediatric Crohn's disease. Objectives. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the results and safety of infliximab therapy in the severe form of pediatric Crohn's disease. Material and methods. The study included 153 children with severe form of non-fistulizing Crohn's disease treated with infliximab. The clinical activity of Crohn's disease was assessed according to PCDAI scale, endoscopic scoring was graded according to SES-CD, body mass was measured with body mass index (BMI). Infliximab was administered at the dose 5 mg/kg body mass in the 0.2 and 6th week, and then, after clinical response, every 8 for the period of 12 months. Results. One hundred thirty-six children (88.89%) achieved clinical response after induction therapy and 75.21% of children after the maintenance therapy. 39.68% of children achieved remission as graded with endoscopic scoring SES-CD. There was a statistically significant increase in body weight following the treatment. Side effects such as anaphylaxis, rash, and the activation of EBV infection appeared in 9 children at the time of infliximab injection. In other children the drug was well tolerated. Conclusions. Induction and maintenance therapy with infliximab resulted in clinical remission of Crohn's disease in 75.21% of children, and in the intestinal mucosa healing in 39.68% of children.