Therapeutic drug monitoring in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a problem that directly affects the quality of life of patients suffering from this condition. Monitoring the serum level of infliximab (IFX) (TDM) is an important tool for guiding therapeutic decisions in IBD patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the significance of quantitatively measuring the serum level of IFX (TDM) and antibody to IFX (ATI). Methods and materials: Prospective observational study involving 40 IBD patients on IFX therapy, including 14 Proactive (week 06 of the induction phase) and 26 Reactive (maintenance phase). Immediately prior to the infusion, blood samples were drawn and measured using a Bulhlmann rapid test instrument. Serum concentrations of IFX were categorized as supratherapeutic (>7.0 micrograms/ml), therapeutic (between 3.0 and 7.0 micrograms/ml), and subtherapeutic (3.0 micrograms/ml). When the serum concentration of IFX was 3 mcg/ml (subtherapeutic), the ATI was measured. 25 patients with CD and 15 patients with UC were evaluated. Only three of the twenty patients with subtherapeutic serum levels had a positive ATI, and both were reactive; two had CD and one had UC. There was a statistically significant difference between reactive and proactive patients with respect to levels of CRP (p = 0.042), with proactive DNS patients suffering greater alterations in CRP and albumin. (AU)

Evaluation of proactive therapeutic drug monitoring application in infliximab users in ulcerative colitis

Objective: To evaluate the application of proactive pro-drug therapy (TDM) at week six in users of infliximab therapy in ulcerative colitis patients and to analyze the need for further disease optimization. Method: This is a retrospective analysis that will be carried out simultaneously at the Hospital de Clínicas de Passo Fundo and at the Endoclin Diagnostic Center in the city of Passo Fundo, with secondary data collection between January 2020 and May 2022. The sample included patients from both sexes, regardless of age, who are being followed up in the services mentioned above, by signing the informed Free and Clarified Consent Term. Results: 63.2% of patients required optimization of their treatment based on the serum level assessment at week six. Conclusion: Proactive TDM performed at week six benefits patients in order to complete indications for treatment to avoid lack of drug response and complications from the disease. (AU)

The Effects of White Tea (Camellia Sinensis) and Infliximab Against Cisplatin- Induced Testicular Damage via Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis / Efectos del Té Blanco (Camellia Sinensis) e Infliximab Contra el Daño Testicular Inducido por Cisplatino a Través del Estrés Oxidativo y la Apoptosis

SUMMARY: Cisplatin (Cis) is an important chemotherapeutic agent used in cancer treatment. Males exposed to Cis were reported to exhibit testicular toxicity. Cis-induced testicular toxicity is mediated by oxidative stress, inflammation, testosterone inhibition and apoptosis. Accordingly, this study was conducted to evaluate the potential protective roles of infliximab (IFX), which is an anti- TNF-a agent, and of white tea (Camellia sinensis), which is known to possess antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects, against Cis-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Rats were randomly assigned into five groups as follows: control group, Cisplatin (7 mg/kg) treatment group, Cisplatin (7 mg/kg) + infliximab (7 mg/kg) treatment group, cisplatin + white tea (WT) treatment group, and Cisplatin+ WT+IFX combined treatment group. In the present study, Cis exposure reduced the sperm count. It also increased testicular oxidative stress as well as the levels of inflammatory and apoptotic markers. Histopathological assays supported the biochemical findings. Treatment with IFX and/or WT restored testicular histology, preserved spermatogenesis, suppressed oxidative stress and apoptosis, and significantly ameliorated Cis-induced damage. It was concluded that white tea and infliximab could potentially serve as therapeutic options for the protection of testicular tissue against the harmful effects of Cis.

El cisplatino (Cis) es un importante agente quimioterapéutico utilizado en el tratamiento del cáncer. Se informó que los hombres expuestos a Cis exhibieron toxicidad testicular. La toxicidad testicular inducida por Cis está mediada por el estrés oxidativo, la inflamación, la inhibición de la testosterona y la apoptosis. En consecuencia, este estudio se realizó para evaluar las posibles funciones protectoras de infliximab (IFX), un agente anti-TNF-α, y del té blanco (Camellia sinensis), conocido por sus propiedades antioxidantes, antiapoptóticas y anti-TNF-α -efectos inflamatorios, contra la toxicidad testicular inducida por Cis en ratas. Cinco grupos de ratas se asignaron al azar de la siguiente manera: grupo control, grupo de tratamiento con cisplatino (7 mg/ kg), grupo de tratamiento con cisplatino (7 mg/kg) + infliximab (7 mg/kg), grupo de tratamiento con cisplatino + té blanco (WT), y grupo de tratamiento combinado Cisplatino+ WT+IFX. En el presente estudio, la exposición a Cis redujo el conteo de espermatozoides. También aumentó el estrés oxidativo testicular, así como los niveles de marcadores inflamatorios y apoptóticos. Los ensayos histopatológicos respaldaron los hallazgos bioquímicos. El tratamiento con IFX y/o WT restauró la histología testicular, preservó la espermatogénesis, suprimió el estrés oxidativo y la apoptosis, y mejoró significativamente el daño inducido por Cis. Se concluyó que el té blanco y el infliximab podrían potencialmente servir como opciones terapéuticas para la protección del tejido testicular contra los efectos nocivos de Cis.

Recurrent acute coronary syndrome after infliximab infusion in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis: Case report

Case description: A 61-year-old male patient with uncontrolled rheumatoid arthritis presented acute coronary syndrome on three occasions, less than 48 hours after infliximab infusion. Clinical findings: He presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction on two occasions and non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome on one, with the identification of multivessel coronary disease. Treatment and outcome: Coronary intervention was performed with thrombus aspiration, medicated stent implantation, medicated balloon angioplasty, discontinuation of infliximab, and modification and optimization of cardiovascular pharmacological management. Clinical relevance: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have subclinical cardiovascular disease and increased cardiovascular risk. The evidence regarding the relationship between infliximab and ischemic heart disease is controversial. A wide clinical spectrum of cardiac involvement with infliximab infusion is found in case reports, ranging from stable angina to ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. The pathophysiology is not elucidated, with hypotheses proposing plaque rupture, allergic reactions, and vasoconstriction as possible disease mechanisms. The direct association between infliximab infusion and acute coronary syndrome needs more clinical research to optimize the management and prognosis of patients presenting with this type of complication.

Descripción del caso: Paciente masculino de 61 años con artritis reumatoide no controlada, en manejo con infliximab, quién presentó en tres oportunidades síndrome coronario agudo menos de 48 horas posterior a la aplicación del medicamento. Hallazgos clínicos: Presentó infarto con elevación del ST en dos ocasiones y síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del ST en una oportunidad, encontrándose enfermedad coronaria multivaso. Tratamiento y resultado: Se realizó intervención coronaria con tromboaspiración, implante de stents medicados y angioplastia con balón medicado, suspensión del infliximab y modificación y optimización de manejo farmacológico cardiovascular. Relevancia clínica: Los pacientes con artritis reumatoide tienen enfermedad cardiovascular subclínica y mayor riesgo cardiovascular. La evidencia respecto a la relación entre infliximab y cardiopatía isquémica es controversial. En reportes de caso se encuentra un amplio espectro clínico de compromiso cardíaco con la infusión de infliximab, que va desde la angina estable hasta el síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST. La fisiopatología no está claramente dilucidada, con hipótesis que proponen la ruptura de placa, reacciones alérgicas y la vasoconstricción como posibles mecanismos de enfermedad. La asociación directa entre la infusión de infliximab y el síndrome coronario agudo necesita más investigación clínica con el fin de optimizar el manejo y pronóstico de los pacientes que presentan este tipo de complicaciones.

Body composition and functional capacity in patients with Crohn's disease using Infliximab / Composição corporal e capacidade funcional de pacientes com doença de Crohn em uso de Infliximabe

Rationale: the use of anti-TNFα therapy, such as Infliximab (IFX), in patients with Chron's disease (CD) can lead to changes in body composition. Objective: to evaluate the body composition and functional capacity of patients with CD. Method: Cross-sectional study with patients with CD in clinical remission using IFX. For anthropometric evaluation, it was measured: weight, height and waist circumference; functional capacity by the hand grip strength test and body composition by bioelectric impedance. After that, the fat-free mass index and body fat index were calculated. Continouns variables were analyzed by Pearson or Spearman coefficient. For the multiple linear regression model, the time of use of IFX was used as a dependent variable and waist circumference, fat-free mass index, phase angle and handgrip strength were used as independent variables. Results: forty-three patients were evaluated, with an average of 43.1± 13.5 years of age. Of the total, 44.2% were overweight and 44.2% had increased waist circumference, 58.1% were classified with high to very high fat-free mass, 30.2% were below the adequacy parameter for fat-free mass index and 11.6% had reduced functional capacity. Conclusion: overweight, as well as increased waist circumference and body fat, is common in CD patients in clinical remission using Infliximab. Most patients had preserved functional capacity, however there wasn't association with time of use of IFX.

Introdução: o uso de terapia anti-TNFα, como o Infliximabe (IFX), em pacientes com doença de Chron (DC) pode levar a alterações na composição corporal. Objetivo: avaliar a composição corporal e capacidade funcional de pacientes com DC. Metodologia: estudo transversal com pacientes com DC em remissão clínica, em uso de IFX. Foi realizada avaliação antropométrica (peso, estatura e circunferência da cintura); avaliação de capacidade funcional (teste de força de pressão manual); e avaliação de composição corporal (impedância bioelétrica) com cálculo do índice de massa livre de gordura e índice de gordura corporal. Variáveis contínuas foram analisadas pelo coeficiente de correlação de Pearson ou Spearman. Para o modelo de regressão linear múltipla, o tempo de uso do IFX foi utilizado como variável dependente e circunferência da cintura, índice de massa magra, ângulo de fase e força de preensão manual foram utilizados como variáveis independentes. Resultados: foram avaliados 43 pacientes, com média de idade de 43,1± 13,5 anos. 44,2% estavam acima do peso e 44,2% possuíam circunferência da cintura aumentada, 58,1% foram classificados com índice de gordura corporal de alto a muito alto, 30,2% estavam abaixo do parâmetro de adequação para o índice de massa livre de gordura e 11,6% apresentaram capacidade funcional reduzida. Conclusão: o excesso de peso e o aumento de circunferência da cintura e gordura corporal é frequente em pacientes com DC em remissão clínica e em uso de IFX. A maioria dos pacientes apresentou capacidade funcional preservada, porém não houve associação com o tempo de uso do IFX.

The efficacy of anti–TNF-? agents in the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis in a pediatric cohort

Purpose: Biologic therapy has shown promising control in children with often intractable juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)?associated uveitis (JIA?U). Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of 35 eyes of 35 children who received biologics for JIA?U. Pretreatment and posttreatment data (at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, and >24 months) were analyzed to determine functional success (stable/improved visual acuity), quiescence success (?0.5 cells in the anterior chamber), complete steroid success (termination of systemic, periocular therapy and decreased topical drops to ?2/day) or systemic steroid success (termination of systemic steroids only), and complete success (all of the above). Results: This study included 35 eyes up to 12 months and 21 eyes beyond 24 months. Steroid?sparing, functional, and quiescence success showed a rate of success of 52.43%, 77%, and 91%, respectively, at 12 months and 66.67%, 85.7%, and 76.2%, respectively, beyond 24 months. Complete success was 34.29% at 12 months, peaking at 18 months (65.62%) and reached 57.14% beyond 24 months. In their final follow?up, the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) remained the same in 45.71%, improved in 37.14%, and worsened in 17.14% children. Conclusion: Biologic therapy is effective in JIA?U, especially in termination of systemic steroids, stabilization of vision, and maintaining quiescence

Clinical profile and management with immunosuppressants and biologics in Behcet’s uveitis: A cohort of 25 patients from a tertiary eye care center in South India

Purpose: To report the clinical profile of Behcet’s disease and its management with immunosuppressants and biologics in a cohort of 25 patients from a tertiary eye care center in South India. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study. Records of 45 eyes of 25 patients between January 2016 and December 2021 were retrieved from the hospital database. Complete ophthalmic evaluation and systemic examination by the rheumatologist with appropriate investigations had been done. Results were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: Males (19, 76%) were found to be more affected than females (6, 24%). Mean age of presentation was 27.68 ± 11.08 years. Twenty patients had bilateral involvement (80%), and unilateral involvement was seen in five patients (20%). Seven eyes of four patients (16%) had isolated anterior uveitis, out of which one patient had unilateral and three patients had bilateral involvement. Twenty?six eyes of 16 patients (64%) had posterior uveitis, out of which six patients had unilateral and 10 had bilateral involvement. Twelve eyes of seven patients (28%) had panuveitis, out of which two patients had unilateral and five had bilateral involvement. Hypopyon was seen in five eyes (11.1%) and posterior synechiae in seven eyes (15.55%). Posterior segment findings included vitritis (24.44%), vasculitis (17.78%), retinitis (17.78%), disc hyperemia (11.11%), and disc pallor (8.89%). Steroids alone were given in five patients (20%) and intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) was given in four patients (16%). Immunosuppressive agents along with steroids were given in 20 patients (80%), of which azathioprine alone was given in seven patients (28%), cyclosporin alone was given in two patients (8%), mycophenolate mofetil alone was given in three patients (12%), combination of azathioprine and cyclosporin was given in six patients (24%), and combination of methotrexate and mycophenolate mofetil was given in one patient (4%). Biologics were given in 10 patients (40%) – adalimumab in seven patients (28%) and infliximab in three patients (12%). Conclusion: Behcet’s disease is an uncommon uveitis in India. Addition of immunosuppressants and biologics to conventional steroid therapy gives better visual outcomes.

Rituximab, a Safer Option for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comparison of the Reported Adverse Events of Approved Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), which are commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), have been linked to a variety of adverse events (AEs). The objective of the study was to compare the safety profiles of six FDA approved mAbs (sarilumab, tocilizumab, adalimumab, golimumab, infliximab, and rituximab) marketed for the treatment of RA. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct. The manuscript comprised a total of 23 clinical studies. The percentage of patients who had AEs was calculated and presented using box-whisker and forest plots. Infections and infestations were found to be the most common AEs in RA patients treated with mAbs. Raised alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), and nasopharyngitis were frequently reported. The most common AEs were reported with adalimumab. The highest percentage of patients reporting AEs was associated with golimumab (52%), while rituximab had the fewest AEs (4.9%). In conclusion, rituximab appears to be a safer treatment option for RA as it is found to be associated with a lower risk of AEs, particularly respiratory infections.

A avaliação de níveis sérios de infliximabe favorece a manutenção do tratamento em pacientes com doença inflamatória intestinal / The evaluation of infliximab trough level favors maintenance therapy of patients with inflammatory bowel disease

ABSTRACT Background: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic diseases that result from the deregulation of the mucosal immune system of the gastrointestinal tract. The use of biological therapies, including infliximab (IFX), is one of the strategies to treat both CD and UC. The IFX treatment is monitored by complementary tests, namely: fecal calprotectin (FC); C-reactive protein (CRP); and endoscopic and cross-sectional imaging. Besides, serum IFX evaluation and antibody detection are also used. Objective: To evaluate trough levels (TL) and antibodies in a population with inflammatory bowel (IBD) disease undergoing treatment with IFX, and the factors that might impact the treatment effectiveness. Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional study with patients with IBD that were assessed for TL and antibody (ATI) levels in a southern Brazilian hospital, from June 2014 to July 2016. Results: The study assessed 55 patients (52.7% female) submitted to serum IFX and antibody evaluations (95 blood samples, 55 first test; 30 second test, and 10 as third testing. Forty-five (47.3%) cases were diagnosed with CD (81.8%), and ten with UC (18.2%). Serum levels were adequate in 30 samples (31.57%), subtherapeutic in 41 (43.15%), and supratherapeutic in 24 (25.26%). IFX dosages were optimized for 40 patients (42.10%), maintained for 31 (32.63%), and discontinued for 7 (7.60%). The intervals between infusions were shortened in 17.85% of the cases. In 55 tests (55.79%), the therapeutic approach was exclusively defined according to IFX and/or serum antibody levels. The assessment of patients one year later indicated that: the approach was maintained with IFX for thirty-eight patients (69.09%); the class of biological agent was changed for eight (14.54%); changes using the same class of biological agent occurred for two patients (3.63%); the medication was discontinued and not replaced for three patients (5.45%), and four patients (7.27%) were lost to follow-up. Conclusion: There were no differences in TL between groups with or without immunosuppressants, serum albumin (ALB), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), FC, CRP, and endoscopic and imaging examinations. Current therapeutic approach could be maintained for almost 70% of patients. Thus, serum and antibody levels are a useful tool in the follow-up of patients undergoing maintenance therapy and after treatment induction in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

RESUMO Contexto: A doença de Crohn e a colite ulcerativa são doenças crônicas nas quais existem desregulação do sistema imune da mucosa do trato gastrointestinal. Uma das terapias usadas no tratamento dessas doenças são as medicações biológicas, entre elas o Infliximabe. A monitorização do tratamento dos pacientes com Iinfliximabe é feita por exames complementares: calprotectina fecal, pesquisa de atividade inflamatória, exames endoscópicos e imagem. Utiliza-se, também a dosagem do nível sérico do Infliximabe e a pesquisa de anticorpos. Objetivo: Analisar uma população com doenças inflamatórias intestinais, em tratamento com Infliximabe, submetida a avaliação do nível sérico do Infliximabe e do anticorpo, além de possíveis fatores que possam alterar ou contribuir no tratamento. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo retrospectivo, transversal, realizado por meio da revisão dos prontuários dos pacientes com doença inflamatória intestinal, em um hospital sul-brasileiro, no período de junho de 2014 até julho de 2016, que foram submetidos a avaliação dos níveis séricos de Infliximabe e do anticorpo. Resultados: Foram incluídos 55 pacientes, submetidos a dosagem do Infliximabe e do anticorpo, totalizando 95 coletas sanguíneas. Destes, 55 realizaram uma primeira coleta, 30 tiveram uma segunda amostra coletada e 10 coletaram uma terceira vez. Vinte e nove pacientes eram do sexo feminino (52,7%) e vinte e seis do sexo masculino (43.2%). Quarenta e cinco (47,3%) casos tinham diagnóstico de doença de Crohn (81,8%) e 10 de colite ulcerativa (18,2%). Em relação ao nível sérico encontrou-se nível adequado em 30 coletas (31,57%), subterapêutico em 41 coletas (43,15%) e supraterapêutico em 24 coletas (25,26%). A prescrição foi otimizada em 40 (42,10%) casos, mantida em 31 (32,63%) pacientes, suspensa em 7 (7,60%) ou que o intervalo entre as infusões fosse aumentado (17,85%). Na análise geral, em 53 coletas (55,79%) a conduta foi definida em função exclusivamente da dosagem sérica do Infliximabe e/ou do anticorpo, já em relação, apenas a primeira coleta obteve-se 33 (60%) pacientes. Avaliando-se os pacientes um ano após, obteve-se: em 38 (69,09%) pacientes a conduta foi mantida com Infliximabe e, em 8 (14,54%) foi optado por troca de classe, em 2 (3,63%) foi optado por troca da medicação na mesma classe, em 3 (5,45%) pacientes a medicação foi suspensa e não foi substituída e, em 4 (7,27%), perdeu-se o seguimento. Conclusão: Não encontrou-se diferença entre os níveis de Infliximabe entre os grupos com ou sem imunossupressor, albumina sérica, velocidade de hemossedimentação, Calprotectina, Proteína C reativa, exames endoscópicos e exames de imagem. A conduta atual pode ser mantida em quase 70% dos pacientes. Concluindo, a dosagem do nível sérico e do anticorpo é ferramenta útil no acompanhamento dos pacientes em terapia de manutenção e após a indução de tratamento em pacientes com Doença Inflamatória Intestinal.

Vedolizumabe comparado a agentes anti-TNF-α para indução e manutenção da remissão na doença de Crohn refratária a medicamentos biológicos: revisão rápida / Vedolizumab compared to anti-tnf-α agents for induction and maintenance of remission in biologic-refractory crohn's disease: a rapid review of systematic reviews

Vedolizumabe e anticorpos anti-TNF-α (infliximabe, adalimumabe, certolizumabe pegol). Indicação: Tratamento pessoas com doença de Crohn com falha a um agente biológico anti-TNF-α em tratamento prévio. Pergunta: Para adultos com doença de Crohn moderada a grave com falha terapêutica para anticorpos monoclonais anti-TNF-α, em tratamento de segunda linha, Vedolizumabe tem efeitos superiores aos anti-TNF-α para induzir e manter a remissão da doença? Objetivo: Investigar a eficácia e segurança do vedolizumabe, comparado aos agentes anti-TNF-α (infliximabe, adalimumabe, certolizumabe pegol), na indução e manutenção da remissão em pacientes refratários aos anti-TNF-α com doença de Crohn moderada a grave. Métodos: Revisão rápida de revisões sistemáticas. Levantamento bibliográfico foi realizado nas bases de dados PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS, BVS, Cochrane Library e em registros de revisões sistemáticas e ensaios clínicos. Seguiu estratégias de buscas predefinidas. Foi feita avaliação da qualidade metodológica dos estudos incluídos através da ferramenta AMSTAR-2 (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews Version) Resultados: Foi selecionada uma revisão sistemática, que atendida aos critérios de elegibilidade, mas nenhum ensaio clínico foi escolhido, pois não atendiam aos critérios de inclusão. Conclusão: Adalimumabe, disponível no Sistema Único de Saúde, é mais eficaz que vedolizumabe para induzir remissão clínica em pacientes tratados previamente com biológicos. Vedolizumabe não é mais eficaz que placebo para induzir remissão clínica. Vedolizumabe e adalimumabe são similares entre si e são mais eficazes que placebo para manter a remissão clínica. Não foram encontradas evidências comparando vedolizumabe a infliximabe ou certolizumabe pegol

Vedolizumab and anti-TNF-α antibodies (infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol). Indication: Treatment of people with Crohn disease who have failed an anti-TNF-α biological agent in previous treatment. Question: For adults with moderate to severe Crohn disease with treatment failure for anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibodies, in second-line treatment, does vedolizumab have superior effects to anti-TNF-α in inducing and maintaining disease remission? Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of vedolizumab, compared to anti-TNF-α agents (infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol), in the induction and maintenance of remission in moderate to severe Crohn disease refractory to anti-TNF-α previous treatment. Methods: Rapid review of systematic reviews. A bibliographic search was done in the PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS, BVS, Cochrane Library databases and in registries of systematic reviews and clinical trials. The search has followed predefined strategies. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the AMSTAR-2 tool (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews Version 2). Results: A systematic review was selected, which met the eligibility criteria, but no clinical trials were chosen as they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Conclusion: Adalimumab, available in the Brazilian Public Health System, is more effective than vedolizumab to induce clinical remission in patients previously treated with biologics. Vedolizumab is no more effective than placebo in inducing clinical remission. Vedolizumab and adalimumab are similar to each other and are more effective than placebo in maintaining clinical remission. No evidence was found comparing vedolizumab to infliximab or certolizumab pegol

Advances in therapeutic drug monitoring of infliximab in patients with Crohn disease / 中国药房

Infliximab （IFX）， tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor， is widely used in clinical practice for treating Crohn disease （CD）， but it is difficult to obtain the optimal therapeutic effect according to the conventional dose. It is recommended to perform therapeutic drug monitoring （TDM） for patients with poor therapeutic efficacy to guide clinical decisions. This paper reviews the pharmacokinetic characteristics of IFX， exposure-response relationship， the influencing factors of pharmacokinetic differences， and analytical methods in TDM. It is found that IFX doesn’t undergo liver or kidney metabolism， exhibits obvious exposure-response relationships in both the induction and maintenance phases of CD treatment； disease activity， albumin， antibodies to IFX （ATI） and other factors influence IFX’s exposure. It is recommended that trough concentration of IFX in the maintenance period should be kept above 3 μg/mL； the dose of IFX should be increased or medication interval should be shortened for patients with severe disease， low albumin levels and ATI formation， to promote therapeutic efficacy of IFX. It is suggested to use the same detection method for TDM of IFX in the same patient.

Literature analysis of drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis induced by tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To analyze the characteristics of drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis （DIAIH） induced by tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor （TNFi）， and to provide reference for clinical drug treatment. METHODS Retrieved from PubMed， Embase， China Academic Journal full-text Database， VIP and Wanfang database， the case reports of TNFi-induced DIAIH were collected to conduct descriptive analysis. RESULTS A total of 33 case reports involving 44 patients were collected， including 31 females and 13 males， with an average age of （41.14±2.20） years old， mostly aged 30 to 60 years （77.27%）. The primary diseases were Crohn disease （CD）， ulcerative colitis （UC） and rheumatoid arthritis （RA） （68.18%）. Of the 44 patients， 35 were treated with infliximab （IFX）， 7 with adalimumab， and 2 with etanercept. The dosage of 37 patients was within the scope of the instructions， and 31 received other drugs additionally； DIAIH mainly occurred ≤24 weeks after medication （68.18%）； 21 patients （47.73%） had no clinical manifestations； alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were abnormally elevated in all patients； anti-nuclear antibodies were positive in 38 patients. Except for 3 patients who required liver transplantation， all the other patients improved after drug withdrawal and/or symptomatic treatment such as glucocorticoid therapy. CONCLUSIONS TNFi- induced DIAIH is more common in female patients and can occur with conventional doses， with significant differences in occurrence time. However， the intervention measures are basically the same for DIAIH induced by different types of TNFi. Clinical use of TNFi， especially the use of IFX， requires close attention to the clinical manifestations， liver function and autoantibody level， and a detailed evaluation should be conducted to detect DIAIH as soon as possible. If liver function continues to not improve， it is necessary to stop taking medicine as soon as possible and receive symptomatic treatment to avoid developing acute or severe DIAIH or liver failure.

Biotherapy for acne inversa / 中华皮肤科杂志

With the increasing understanding of inflammatory pathogenesis of acne inversa, as well as with the development and application of biological agents in the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory diseases, some biological agents have shown good efficacy and potential for the treatment of acne inversa in clinical research and practice. This review mainly summarizes the research progress in biotherapy of acne inversa in recent years.

Pharmaceutical care for a Crohn's disease patient with hypoalbuminemia and non-response to infliximab / 药学实践杂志

Objective To investigate the role of clinical pharmacists in individualized treatment and pharmaceutical care for a Crohn’s disease patient with non-response to infliximab. Methods The clinical pharmacist participated in the pharmaceutical care for a Crohn’s disease patient with hypoalbuminemia. Clinical pharmacists interpreted the blood concentration results of infliximab based on literature review, analyzed the pharmacokinetic process of drugs, and suggested that low serum albumin levels may cause the accelerated drug elimination and resulted in reduced drug concentration and secondary non-response. Results Clinical pharmacists assisted clinician adjusting the medication regimen and the patient recovered well after the new treatment plan. Conclusion With good understanding in medication pharmacokinetics and the blood test results, clinical pharmacists can help to solve the drug therapy related problems and establish an individual treatment plan to improve the safety and effectiveness of the biological medications.

Recent advance in influencing factors of non-response to Infliximab therapy in children with inflammatory bowel disease / 中国小儿急救医学

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is a group chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases with unknown etiology, which includes Crohn′s disease, ulcerative colitis and indeterminate colitis.The number of pediatric IBD patients increases year by year and the disease causes a huge burden on patients, families and society.Infliximab(IFX) is an effective and important drug, but more and more patients don′t respense to it.The reason for non-respense is complex and unclear.This review discussed the factors that may cause failure to respond to IFX, in order to find a suitable method to improve the therapeutic effect of IFX on children with IBD.

Effect of infliximab combined with miRNA-21 on lung cancer A549 cells / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of infliximab combined with miRNA-21 on lung cancer A549 cells.Methods:A549 cells were cultured in vitro and then divided into four groups (blank group, infliximab group, miRNA-21 inhibitor group and combined treatment group) ; CCK-8 test was used to detect cell proliferation; Flow cytometry experiments was employed to detect apoptosis; Western blot was used to detect protein expression.Results:The survival rates of A549 cells in the miRNA-21 inhibitor group and the combined treatment group were 48.67%±2.83% and 25.69%±1.98%, which were significantly different ( P<0.001) ; The proportion of A549 apoptotic cells in the miRNA-21 inhibitor group and the combined treatment group were 46.73%±2.18% and 76.58%±3.67%, respectively, with significant differences ( P<0.001) ; The expression of Caspase-3 (1.21±0.26 vs 0.57±0.07) and Bad (1.08±0.11 vs 0.52±0.06) in the combined treatment group was significantly higher than that of the miRNA-21 inhibitor group in the detection of apoptosis-related proteins, and the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly reduced, with a significant difference ( P<0.001). In the combined treatment group, the expression levels of TNF-α (0.63±0.11 vs 1.23±0. 22, 1.18±0.17, 1.14±0.17) and NF-κB p65 (0.34±0.08 vs 1.31±0.09, 1.29±0.12, 1.11±0.06) were both reduced, and there was a significant difference compared with the other three groups ( P<0.001) . Conclusion:Infliximab combined with miRNA-21 inhibitors can play a synergistic role in lung cancer cells, inhibit the TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway, regulate the expression of the Bcl-2 family and Caspase-3, and promote apoptosis, thereby inhibiting lung cancer A549 cell proliferation.

Effectiveness and safety in the management of chronic inflammatory diseases with etanercept and infliximab biosimilars in Colombian patients

Objective: To determine the effectiveness and safety of infliximab and etanercept biosimilar drugs in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis, and psoriasis in a specialized institution in Colombia, between 2015 and 2019. Methods: A retrospective study in patients treated with infliximab and etanercept biosimilar drugs treated in an institution specializing in the management of rheumatological diseases, to verify the clinimetric indicators of effectiveness and reports of adverse drug reactions. Clinical, sociodemographic, and pharmacological variables were identified over 5 years of follow-up. Results: 207 patients were identified with a mean age of 48.7 ± 15.1 years, 61.4% were women. Of the patients, 58.0% (n = 120) used infliximab and 42.0% (n = 87) etanercept. It was found that 46 (22.2%) patients had adverse drug reactions. At the end of the observation period, 61.6% (n = 72) of the patients with RA had achieved control of the disease (mild activity or remission), and 57.9% (n = 117) had problems with access to and persistence with therapy. Conclusion: In a group of patients treated in Colombia, the biosimilars of infliximab and etanercept showed proportions of effectiveness and safety comparable to the reference drugs, but lack of adherence to treatment was quite common.

Objetivo: Determinar la efectividad y la seguridad de medicamentos biosimilares de infliximab y etanercept en pacientes con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide, espondilitis anquilosante, colitis ulcerativa y psoriasis en una institución especializada de Colombia, entre los arios 2015 y 2019. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, en pacientes tratados con infliximab y etanercept biosimilares, atendidos en una institución especializada en el manejo de enfermedades reumatológicas, para verificar los indicadores clinimétricos de efectividad y reportes de reacciones adversas medicamentosas. Se identificaron variables clínicas, sociodemográficas y farmacológicas durante cinco años de seguimiento. Resultados: Se identificaron 207 pacientes, con una edad media de 48,7 ± 15,1 años, el 61,4% de los cuales eran mujeres. El 58% (n = 120) de los pacientes utilizó infliximab y el 42% (n = 87) etanercept. Se encontró que 46 (22,2%) pacientes presentaron reacciones adversas al medicamento. Al final del periodo de observación, un 61,6% (n = 72) de los pacientes con AR había alcanzado el control de la enfermedad (actividad leve o remisión) y, en general, el 57,9% (n = 117) tuvo problemas de acceso y persistencia a la terapia. Conclusión: En un grupo de pacientes tratados en Colombia, los biosimilares de infliximab y etanercept mostraron proporciones de efectividad y seguridad comparables a los medicamentos de referencia, pero fue bastante común la falta de adherencia al tratamiento.

Enfermedad de Crohn fistulizante en una adolescente / Fistulizing Crohn's disease in an adolescent girl: a case report

RESUMEN Introducción: la enfermedad de Crohn es una enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal de causa desconocida con una génesis multifactorial que afectan todo el tracto digestivo, desde la boca hasta el ano. Presentación de caso: se describe un caso de una adolescente de 18 años de edad con historia de múltiples ingresos hospitalarios por cuadros de fiebre, diarreas, cólicos abdominales y desnutrición proteico energética que a los nueve años se le hace diagnóstico de una colitis ulcerosa, con una respuesta no favorable al tratamiento con salazosufalpiridina, mesalazina, esteroides orales e inmunosupresores. A los 16 años de edad presenta fisuras y fistulas perianales. Por la histología se concluye que es enfermedad de Crohn; fue necesario la realización de ileostomía y tratamiento con anticuerpos monoclonales (infliximab), primera experiencia de su uso en Pinar del Río. Conclusiones: presentó una respuesta muy favorable con cicatrización total de las fisuras y las fístulas perianales, desarrollo de caracteres sexuales secundarios, así como su menarquia y recuperación nutricional.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease of unknown cause with a multifactorial genesis affecting the entire digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Case report: an 18-year-old adolescent girl with a history of multiple hospital admissions for fever, diarrhea, abdominal colic and protein-energy malnutrition. At the age of 9 she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, with an unfavorable response to treatment with salicylazosulfapyridine, mesalazine, oral steroids and immunosuppressant. At 16 years old she presented fissures and perianal fistulas, histologically concluded as Crohn's disease, and it was necessary to perform an ileostomy and treatment with monoclonal antibodies (infliximab), the first experience of its use in the province. Conclusions: she presented a very favorable response with total healing of the fissures and perianal fistulas, development of secondary sexual characteristics as well as her menarche and nutritional recovery.

Infliximab for anoperineal lesions in Crohn's disease: remission appears to be based on rapid combination therapy at high doses

Study Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare in real life the characteristics of treatment with infliximab according to the presence or absence of anoperineal involvement in Crohn's disease. Methods: We performed a single-center, prospective, non-interventional study, on patients with Crohn's disease in remission who had been treated with infliximab for at least 1 year. Patients with poor treatment compliance, on antibiotics, or those with a stoma were excluded. Results: We included 52 patients in this study: 34 with anoperineal lesions with or without luminal lesions, and 18 with luminal lesions only. Patients with anoperineal lesions were more likely to have undergone surgery (70.6% versus 38.9%, p = 0.027), had a shorter median time to infliximab treatment initiation (0.5 versus 5.5 years, p = 0.005), a higher mean dose of infliximab (6.6 versus 5.1 mg/kg, p = 0.015), and were more likely to receive combination treatments including infliximab (52.9% versus 11.1%, p = 0.008) than patients with luminal involvement only. Conclusions In our study, infliximab treatment was initiated more quickly, at higher doses, and more in combination therapy for anoperineal Crohn's disease than for luminal damage alone. Additional studies are required to confirm this finding and to assess the tolerance of this treatment throughout patient management. (AU)

Atualização do custo-efetividade por resposta de adalimumabe, etanercepte, guselcumabe, infliximabe, ixequizumabe, secuquinumabe e ustequinumabe no tratamento de psoríase em placas moderada a grave sob a perspectiva do Sistema de Saúde Suplementar brasileiro / An update of a cost-effectiveness per response of adalimumab, etanercept, guselcumab, infliximab, ixekizumab, secukinumab and ustekinumab for treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis from the perspective of the Brazilian Supplementary Health System

Objetivo: Os agentes biológicos representam um grande avanço no tratamento da psoríase em placas moderada a grave. No entanto, variações de eficácia, segurança e custos dos tratamentos podem dificultar a escolha do agente terapêutico. Este estudo teve como objetivo atualizar o custo por resposta dos agentes biológicos disponíveis para psoríase no ROL de Procedimentos e Eventos em Saúde (ROL) da Agência Nacional de Saúde Suplementar (ANS). Métodos: Uma análise de custo por resposta foi utilizada para avaliar a razão de custo pelo desfecho Índice de Gravidade e Área da Psoríase (PASI) 90. Os resultados foram apresentados para o primeiro ano (ano I), que compreende a fase de indução e a fase manutenção até completar 52 semanas e foi realizada uma análise da efetividade do tratamento num cenário de orçamento fixo. Os custos dos tratamentos foram calculados com base nos preços de fábrica (PF18%) da Tabela da Câmara de Regulação do Mercado de Medicamentos de junho de 2021. Resultados: Para o ano I, o guselcumabe apresentou melhor resultado para custo por resposta (R$ 130.467) PASI 90, seguido por ixequizumabe, ustequinumabe, secuquinumabe, adalimumabe, infliximabe e etanercepte. No cenário com orçamento fixo, o guselcumabe demonstrou ser o agente capaz de tratar com sucesso (PASI 90) o maior número de pacientes. Atualização do custo-efetividade por resposta para psoríase em placas moderada a grave. Conclusão: Sob a perspectiva do Sistema de Saúde Suplementar do Brasil, o guselcumabe apresentou o melhor custo por resposta PASI 90, sendo, assim, a terapia com melhor custo-efetividade no tratamento da psoríase em placas moderada a grave disponível no ROL.

Objective: Biological agents represent a major advance in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. However, variations of efficiency, safety and costs of treatments make it difficult to select the drug. This study aims to update the cost per response of biological agents available in the Health Procedures and Events Roll (ROL) of the National Supplementary Health Agency (ANS). Methods: A cost-per-response analysis was used to assess the cost per outcome of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 90. Results were presented for the first year (I), which comprises induction and maintenance for 52 weeks and a fixed budget scenario analysis. Treatment costs were calculated based on the prices of the 2021 Medicines Market Regulation Chamber Table. Results: Analysis of year I, guselkumab showed the best result for cost per cost (R$ 130,467) PASI 90, followed by ixekizumab, ustekinumab, secukinumab, adalimumab, infliximab, and etanercept. In the fixedbudget analysis, guselkumab is the therapy capable of successfully treating (PASI 90) the largest number of patients. Conclusion: From the perspective of the Supplementary Health System in Brazil, guselkumab showed the best cost per response PASI 90, thus being the most cost-effective therapy in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis available in the Brazilian ROL.